Below are practical tips to help you stay safe and stress-free during this time of year.
General Safety Tips
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Avoid distractions like your phone or headphones and walk confidently.
• Travel smart: Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially at night, and travel with others when possible.
• Protect your electronics: Keep them hidden and activate tracking systems when available.
• Be cautious at ATMs: Use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas during daylight hours.
• Avoid flaunting valuables: Refrain from displaying large amounts of cash or excessive jewelry in public.
• Secure your belongings: Keep wallets in your front pocket or a zipped jacket. Women should carry a small handbag close to their bodies.
• Shopping safety: Stay alert while walking to and from stores, and choose well-lit paths.
• Safe parking practices: Park in busy, well-lit areas and avoid spaces next to large vehicles. Lock your car and store valuables in the trunk. Consider using cards instead of carrying large sums of cash.
If you plan to hire security personnel to patrol your business premises, you may require them to take a course at Melbourne Training College to ensure that they are well-trained.
Carjacking Prevention Tips 🚗
• Always lock your car, even when stepping away briefly.
• Never leave your vehicle idling, even if your key fob is on you.
• Keep your keys with you at all times and never leave them in the car.
• Never leave children unattended in your vehicle.
• Stay alert when parking or returning to your vehicle, especially in less crowded areas.
Report Suspicious Activity
• In emergencies: Call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
• For non-emergencies: Report issues like fraud or traffic concerns online or call 301-352-1200.
Report Non-Emergency Issues to the City
• Call 240-487-3588 or visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus to report non-emergency concerns.
Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy a joyful holiday season! 🎅
#HolidaySafety #StayAlert #BePrepared #CommunitySafety
Would you like me to include any additional local resources or holiday event reminders?
Mary Ann Hartnett
You might want to add tips to avoid porch pirates like having packages delivered to a work address or Amazon locker. My neighbors and I always tell each other when we are going to be away if even just overnight. We watch out for packages and keep an eye on each others houses.
Fazlul Kabir
Good idea. We should also remind our neighbors about the free vacation/premise check service our police provides for free.