Travel safety tips for the holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, you may be planning events or travel plans to celebrate. While this is a fun time of year, it’s important to stay alert and plan ahead to protect your household’s well-being. 

Hide packages & gifts

While out and about this holiday season, be mindful of packages being delivered if you’re going to be away for an extended amount of time. Tell a trusted friend or neighbor to hide packages delivered to your home if possible. 

Make sure packages are hidden while inside from view of windows if left inside the house. Removing them from window view can discourage potential theft. 

Keep travel plans offline

It’s important to not announce your departure when away on holiday trips. This deters thieves from taking the opportunity to steal or damage property if they know the house isn’t occupied. 

You can take it a step further by pausing mail and newspaper delivery. When these items pile up, it can be an indication no one is around to pick them up. 

Inspect the furnace, the chimney & other fire-starters

When prepping for the holidays, be mindful of decorations - the national fire protection association reports hundreds of house fires each year from holiday decor. 

For example, a burning candle unattended can grow and set other household items on fire, which can be extremely dangerous. Holiday lights not monitored can also potentially cause home fires, so It’s important to keep a close watch on these items when they’re in use this season.  

Traveling and setting up holiday decorations can be a wonderful time for you and your loved ones. However, it’s important to watch your surroundings, keep a low profile and monitor your holiday decor. Doing so can save lives.