Holiday Safety Tips from Fairfield Police and Fire Departments

With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Unfortunately, the safety precautions we normally take can be forgotten as the excitement of the season causes us to let our guard down.

The Fairfield Police want this to be a safe holiday season for all, so we remind you to follow these simple tips:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals often target people who are distracted.
• Whether driving, walking, or taking public transportation, plan the trip in advance. Know how to get to your destination by the most direct and safest route.
• If possible, stay in designated waiting areas or in view of the station booth clerk while awaiting your train. Never walk or stand near the edge of the train platform.
• Travel on populated, well lit streets. If possible, travel with a friend.
• When driving, keep your doors locked and the windows closed. Make sure the gas tank is full. Maintain your car in good working order to avoid breakdowns.
• Always lock your car. Before getting into your car, check the back seat to make sure no one is hiding there.
• Avoid leaving valuables in your car. Whenever possible, place items out of sight in the trunk of your vehicle prior to reaching your destination. Never leave packages in the passenger compartment unattended.
• Plan your purchases in advance and carry only the amount of cash or number of credit cards necessary to make the purchase. If you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash between your purse, pockets and wallet.
• Cancel credit cards you don't use and keep a record of the account numbers for each credit card you possess. This will facilitate reporting the theft or loss of the cards.
• Carry your purse close to your body. Place one end of the purse in the palm of your hand and the other in the bend of the elbow. Never wrap the strap around your body.
• If you are carrying a wallet, carry it in the breast pocket of your jacket or in your side pants pocket. The rear pants pocket is the easiest to pick.
• When in a restaurant, don’t leave your handbag over the back of your chair or on the floor. Don’t leave belongings unattended.
• Don’t wait until you have reached your front door to look for your keys. Have them ready in your hand. If a stranger is standing near your door, it may be a good idea not to go in until the situation feels safer.
• Lock your front door immediately upon entering your home.
• If you live in an apartment, don’t let in someone who rings your bell until you have verified who they are. This will help protect both you and your neighbors.
• If you have elderly family members or neighbors, please remember to check in on them.
• Remind children to be wary of strangers, including those on the internet.
• Do not allow packages and gifts to be dropped off in front of your home unattended (people will take them). 
  • Ask them to be  delivered to the rear, to a secure place, or even to your workplace.

Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tracy added some tips for fire safety.

During the holidays, people have a tendency to not pay attention to what they're doing, whether that's cooking or driving, Tracy said.

He advised not to leave candles, fireplaces, and cooking unattended.

“It’s a collaboration. We need to have the public collaborate for their own safety," Tracy said. "Prevention is a lot better than response.”