As the holiday season approaches and preparations for celebrations increase, security and safety may be the last thing on your mind; but spare a few moments to consider these safety tips to ensure that your festive period, family home time, journeys and activities proceed without mishap, and ensure you, your family and your guests have a merry and cheerful holiday!  Warm wishes from your friends at Titan Security this holiday season and as always feel free to reach out to us with any security or safety related concerns.

• When driving be courteous of other drivers, stay alert, and allow extra time for increased traffic and slippery roads.  Be prepared for emergency situations on the road by having a winter “survival kit” in the vehicle including items such as, a working flashlight, extra batteries, First aid kit, ice scraper, and snow brush.
• Don’t drink and drive: The National Safety Council has documented that drunk driving related accidents increase during this season.
• See Something, Say Something; always report suspicious individuals to security or law enforcement.  Use caution and diligence when coming and going from common areas of your building or property in order to prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining access.
• The Chicago Police Department may not respond to an incident that does not involve a crime in progress. Non-emergencies include crimes such as pickpocketing, theft from an automobile, deceptive practices, criminal damage to property, garage burglary, and other offenses in which the offender is no longer at the scene. The police non-emergency number is 3-1-1.
• The National Safety Council has documented that fires resulting from candles peak in the month of December.  Be careful when using candles by making sure they are kept away from decorations or other flammable materials.  Consider turning off lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Shop with others whenever possible; when with children, make sure they know what to do if they become separated from you.  Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.  Pay by credit card, rather than check/debit card, to reduce the risk of funds being taken from your bank account; keep all receipts and compare them to your monthly statements.
• Gifts and toys are important in many holiday celebrations.  The giver should take notice and follow carefully the instructions relevant to the suitability and safety of toys according to age of children.
• Per the National Safety Council, 2-3 people per hour visit emergency departments for injuries that occur from decorating during the holiday season.  Take your time and consider walking through your home to look for potential fall hazards.
• Enjoy winter sports safely by observing sensible guidelines about safe winter sports.  Don’t let children skate on unapproved surfaces or let them skate alone. Check sleds are free of sharp edges and splinters, make sure slopes are free of obstructions and end with a flat run off away from traffic. Don’t ski or snowboard on your own, and always make sure young children are wearing the appropriate equipment that is safe and of the right size for them.