Leading up to the Christmas holiday, the Medford Township Police Department released 12 Days of Holiday Safety Tips on its Facebook page.
On the first day of safety, police remind residents to lock it up.
- Keep valuables away from windows and out of sight. Keep valuables in residence hidden with curtains or blinds.
- Lock doors and windows to both residence and vehicle.
- Light up home if out and about, and/or at home.
- Consider purchasing a security camera, doorbell camera or an alarm system.
- Bring mail and packages in daily. If traveling ask for a vacation hold.
On the second day of safety, police remind residents to watch out for package thieves. Use secure drop-off options, bring packages inside quickly, and report suspicious activity.
On the third day of safety, police remind residents to light it up right. Remember use indoor/outdoor-rated lights and use extension cords properly. Turn off decorations when asleep or away.
On the fourth day of safety, police remind residents to travel smart. If heading out of town, let a trusted neighbor know, set timers on lights and avoid posting travel plans online.
On the fifth day of safety, police remind residents to shop safely.
- Keep wallets, phones and purses secure.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Hide purchases in your trunk.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not carry large sums of cash.
On the sixth day of safety, police remind residents of winter home safety. Keep walkways clear of snow/ice, salt slippery spots, and make sure house numbers are visible for emergency responders.
On the seventh day of safety, police remind residents of online shopping awareness. Remember use trusted websites and avoid suspicious links, never save payment information on shared devices and verify seller when online marketplace shopping.
On the eighth day of safety, police remind residents of holiday fire safety. Keep trees watered, maintain space around fireplaces/heaters, and never leave candles burning unattended.
On the ninth day of safety, police remind residents to drive sober. Designate a sober driver or use a rideshare. Never drink and drive.
On the 10th day of safety, police remind residents to drive with caution.
- Check weather report.
- Buckle up.
- Slowdown in bad weather.
- Don’t text and drive.
- Give yourself extra time for holiday traffic or bad weather.
On the 11th day of safety, police remind residents of pet precautions during the holidays.
And on the 12th day of safety, police remind residents to look out for each other.
“One of the strongest parts about our community is the connection and outreach to each other,” police said. “Check on your elderly neighbors, help keep Medford sidewalks safe, and report any unusual or concerning activity in your community.”
