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Keeping safe during the holidays
Published November 25, 2009
Millions of people will spend the next few weeks rejoicing in the holiday spirit, but a few bad apples may see the holiday season as a time to exploit others and take advantage of other folks.
According to Paul Gonzales, public information officer at the Kerrville Police Department, every year the department sees an increase in theft, fraud and burglaries around the holidays.
There are several easy steps residents can take to ensure they don’t become a statistic in crime this holiday season.
“First, lock your vehicle,” Gonzales said. “It’s amazing how many vehicle burglaries happen because people simply don’t lock their cars. Don’t leave any gifts, valuables or items recently purchased in plain view in your car. The trunk is a good place, and the best thing to do is take them home in-between shopping trips, although this sometimes isn’t practical. The key thing is securing your vehicle and getting things out of plain sight. Park in well lit areas, and always be aware of your environment.”
For those families leaving town this holiday season, KPD offers a free service that helps vacationing residents feel more at ease when they are gone.
“We have a vacation residence home check, where KPD can drive by the home and make sure everything is secure and normal,” Gonzales said. “Residents leaving town just need to stop by the KPD office at 429 Sidney Baker St., and fill out a residential home check form, during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, although we will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.”
Before leaving for a trip, make sure the home is completely secure.
“Motion sensor lights and inside lighting on a timer really helps,” Gonzales said. “And let a neighbor know where you are going, how long you will be gone and give them a key and a contact number on where you can be reached.”
Another problem during the holidays, according to Gonzales, is fraud.
“Fraud is a huge problem during the holidays,” he said. “Make sure you safeguard your wallet and purse. A lot of times during the holidays, people will be shopping in a hurry and leave their wallets lying on a checkout counter or their purse in a shopping cart. We recommend just taking a credit card and a drivers license with you when you go out, not the whole wallet or purse.”
Safety tips for fried turkey
Frying a turkey for Thanksgiving is a great way to get a juicy, moist bird. However, frying a turkey can be hazardous if you don’t follow safety precautions.
Below is a list from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for preventing fires caused by frying a turkey.
Keep fryer in full view while burner is on
Place fryer in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures
Never use in, on or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or any other structure that could catch fire
Raise and lower the turkey slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns
Cover bare skin when adding or removing the turkey
Check the oil temperature frequently
If oil begins to smoke, turn gas off immediately
If fire occurs, call 911. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water.
Never put a frozen turkey directly into the hot oil
Keep at least 2 feet of space between the burner and the propane tank
For more information, go to www.cpsc.gov/talk.html.
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