We’re offering these tips to help your holidays stay safe and crime-free.

Online Shopping

  • research a website before you purchase something and hand over your credit card information – Google the company and check reviews
  • go directly to the business website – do not enter through an emailed link
  • check the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints about the company
  • look for a padlock icon in the upper right corner of any page asking for your credit card information to indicate it is secure
  • have your packages shipped to your work address or to an alternate location if no one will be home
  • be aware that most deliveries do not include a knock on the door or a doorbell ring, so your package may be left in plain sight even if you are home
  • make use of the signature option – if you’re not home to sign for the package, you can pick it up at an outlet or they can attempt delivery again
  • track your package so you know when it’s arriving and turn on the notification feature so you are alerted when a delivery is made
  • consider installing a security doorbell with a camera

Shopping in Person

  • try not to take your eyes off your debit or credit card when someone else is handling it
  • make sure store employees only swipe your card once
  • keep watch of your personal belongings at all times – don’t leave your purse unattended
  • if you must store your purchases in your car, make sure they’re in the trunk and that your trunk opener inside your car is deactivitated
  • again, if you must use your car to go shopping, park somewhere well-lit and don’t leave valuables where they can be seen

Celebrating

Whether your celebrations include a larger gathering or just with your household, ensure you have a plan to prevent drinking and driving.

  • determine who the designated drivers in your group will be or have a plan to take public transit or taxis ahead of time
  • if you are unable to stop someone who shouldn’t be driving, you will need to call the police – it may be difficult to do, but the potential for serious or deadly harm is a very real possibility if they get behind the wheel

Senior safety

The holidays can bring an increase in incidents of elder abuse.

Learn more about the warning signs, and senior safety.

Decking the Halls

  • if your Christmas tree is visible from the outside, consider not placing gifts under the tree until the last minute
  • if you have pets, they may be attracted to ribbons and parcels and they could pose a choking hazard
  • once the presents have been unwrapped, consider taking boxes for things such as computers, electronics and televisions straight to a recycling depot yourself – no need to alert a thief to what new toys Santa brought you by leaving the boxes outside your home

Travelling by Car

This time of year, even in Vancouver, the roads can become slippery and you may encounter black ice.

  • have directions and check road conditions before you set out for somewhere unfamiliar
  • always wear a seatbelt
  • stick to well-travelled roads when possible and take a cell phone and car charger for emergencies
  • ensure your car is in good mechanical condition and that you have appropriate tires for the road conditions you may encounter
  • have the correct car seats for children and make sure they are installed properly ICBC | BCAA
  • keep an emergency kit and blankets in your trunk
  • if you need to use your GPS or your cell phone, pull over to the side of the road when it’s safe to do so

Fire Safety

Lastly, holiday safety tips wouldn’t be complete without some fire prevention advice. These tips are from the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services:

  • if you have a fresh-cut Christmas tree, make sure to water it regularly to help it retain its moisture; if you purchase an artificial tree, make sure that it is fire retardant
  • be cautious on a ladder when installing and removing your Christmas lights and inspect your lights for excessive wear before you install them; if you have any doubt about the age and safety of your strand of lights, it’s probably time to get new ones – be power smart and purchase energy efficient LED lights
  • use only approved CSA and UL tested extension cords and power bars for all your electrical needs
  • keep all flammable items at least three feet from your space heaters and ensure your heaters are CSA or UL approved
  • kitchen fires are a major concern at this time of year; don’t leave pots unattended on the stove and be extremely cautious when cooking with oil
  • have and learn how to use a fire extinguisher – the Vancouver Fire Department recommends an ABC type extinguisher
  • keep candles away from combustible materials and never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree; don’t ever leave your home or go to bed with candles burning
  • working smoke alarms save lives; press the test button on your smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working and don’t forget to change the battery once a year – if your smoke alarm is more than ten years old, it’s time to change it
  • remember, smoke from a fire can hurt or kill you long before the flames ever get near you, so make a point of sleeping with your bedroom door closed

Struggling with the Holidays?

We are living in stressful and uncertain times, and many people are feeling overwhelmed.

Even at the best of times, the holidays are not happy for everyone. People struggle with loneliness, depression and worry.

If you are finding it difficult getting through the holidays, here are some resources that could help: