SAFETY AND THE HOLIDAYS… MAKING THEM MERRY…

With the holidays approaching, traffic will be hard to deal with, parking spaces will be hard to find in establishments, long lines everywhere we go, kids will be out of school and running around, the cool and dry weather will make snakes and alligators move around (in places you may not like or want)… so… give yourself plenty of extra time for that traffic, have patience when that parking spot is hard to find or worse when you are waiting for the space and someone takes it from you, make time go faster and talk to the person in front or back of that long line, drive slow and focus on the drive so all those kids are safe and when all those critters come out don't play or antagonize them, call the proper authority. Here are a few tips to help the holiday season be a safe and merry one:

• Shop with friends or relatives if possible; there IS safety in numbers. As you shop, be alert in crowded places. Among pickpockets' favorites are revolving doors, jammed aisles, elevators, and public transportation stops and vehicles, especially at rush hour. Carry the day's most expensive purchases closest to your body, and don't carry so much you lose the ability to react quickly. If possible, leave your children with a baby-sitter while you are shopping. For holiday shopping, consider making arrangements with family or friends/neighbors, and take turns baby-sitting. If you take your children with you, keep a close eye on them while shopping.
  
• Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours if possible. When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up. When returning to your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings; scan the area from time to time. Avoid concentrating so hard on shopping that you fail to keep track of your surroundings, others near you, or your personal property. Carry your keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you approach your vehicle, scan the area, glance underneath the vehicle, and take a quick look inside before entering.


• Using debit or credit cards is much safer than carrying a lot of cash.


• If planning a "road trip" over the holidays, have your vehicle services and checked out sufficiently far ahead to allow for repairs if needed. Don't forget to have the mechanic check your spare tire and all fluid levels along with the other preventive maintenance procedures.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY… FROM YOUR STAFF AT INTEGRA MEADOWS