Be Safe During the Holidays

Holidays are upon us and we will be busy doing fun things like shopping, parties and family events. Take some time to be reminded of how to be safe during the Holiday Season.

· Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. If shopping at night, park in a well-lighted area. You may want to ask the Store or Mall Security for an escort before leaving the store.
· Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

· Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. Keep cash in your front pocket. Do not carry a purse or wallet. Purses are prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops and other transits. Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

· Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
· Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
· Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight
· If you find yourself involved in a car accident while doing your shopping, be sure to take pictures of the vehicles involved. Call the Police and make sure you write down all the information on the other driver (name, address, phone number, Drivers License Number, Insurance details). Don’t leave this to the Officer. Sometimes Police Reports can take a couple of weeks to be available. Agents will need this information immediately to file an accident report. You can ALWAYS call your Agent to help you in these situations.