Special
OccasionsHolidays
Around Christmas, burglaries and thefts tend to increase. Cash and gifts are more abundant; try to shop for gifts early (or online) and don't carry too many packages. An overburdened shopper is an easy mark for a crook. Keep packages out of sight in your car. Scams are popular at this time also. Don't believe anyone who approaches you with an unbelievable price. Never buy expensive items on the street. Always check if a charity you are interested in is legitimate. If you receive a phone solicitation, ask the caller to mail you materials about the organization. NEVER give your credit card number over the phone unless you are positive the person on the other end is legitimate.
If you go out for New Year's Eve, make sure your residence appears occupied: Leave a light and radio or TV on. Do not fire handguns. Never drive while intoxicated. More than one-fifth of drivers are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol on New Year's Eve. DWI and fireworks also are risks on the Fourth of July. Fireworks are responsible for countless deaths, injuries and fires. On Halloween, keep your car garaged and always check to see who's at your door before you answer it.
Funerals and Weddings
A death in the family usually is followed by an obituary, and it is expected that the family will all attend funeral services. Burglars know that. Arrange for a friend, neighbor or contract security officer to house-sit while you are gone. A wedding notice in the newspaper is not a bad guy's only clue that the home might be empty. Banns published in the paper, an employee at your caterer or florist who tips off the crook…there are many ways to know the home will be empty. Employ a house-sitter or guard. Businesses supplying goods and services during these occasions may hike prices to make a profit from your emotional state. Consult a trusted friend before making commitments.
Parties
If you're having a party, and especially if you don't know all the guests, don't show off valuables. Secure any important documents, check out any help you hire and take the precaution of safeguarding small, easily portable valuables. Don't use a room accessible from the outside to store property of your guests. You probably should not use your own bedroom either, since that is likely to contain your valuables.
Poker and Movies
More than a few friendly poker games at someone's home will be raided by bad guys this year. If you plan high-stakes games, use chips instead of currency and settle at the end of the night by check instead of cash. When you plan to attend a movie, don't just choose the film of your liking; pay attention to ensure the theater is in a safe neighborhood. Try to avoid sitting near boisterous individuals, and never tell a fellow moviegoer to stop talking or to refrain from smoking or anything else. Have an usher do that.
Emergencies
In case of ice storms, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes or other such natural disasters, you should have emergency supplies on hand. These include a battery-powered radio, spare batteries, one or more flashlights, candles and matches, a clock or watch, first-aid kit and food supplies. Remember that police help is likely to be not easily obtained, so be sure to keep your premises secure. You may or may not wish to add a firearm to your list of emergency items. That is a decision only you can make, and you should read my Blackdog Bone on Gun Safety.
