Holiday Safety Tips

LONGVIEW — Longview police are offering safety tips as Thanksgiving rings in the holiday season.

Driving Safety Tips
� Make sure all vehicle occupants wear their safety belt.
� Leave the proper amount of space between your car and the car in front of you. (One car length for every ten miles per hour).
� Adjust your speed to road, weather and traffic conditions.
� Plan regularly scheduled breaks when traveling long distances.
� Have your car serviced before undertaking a lengthy trip.
� Plan on needing extra time to get to your final destination.
� Don�t drink and drive. If you plan on celebrating with alcohol, plan on staying over or plan on having a designated driver.

Shopping Safety Tips
� If you plan on shopping sales well into the night, do not shop alone! Taking along a shopping buddy will not only make your shopping experience more enjoyable, but it will make it safer as well.
� When shopping, be sure your wallet and purse are secure on your person and closed�never leave them unattended in a shopping cart or in a dressing room.
� Be sure navigation devices, cell phones and other electronics are not in view in your vehicle. Secure them in the glove compartment or out of sight.
� Be sure packages are out of view or secured in the trunk, and be sure to always keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked. Nothing is more attractive to a thief than an unlocked vehicle or a vehicle filled with recent purchases.
� Carry a cell phone with you in case of emergency.

Home Safety Tips
� Never leave your doors and windows unlocked.
� Never leave your drapes/curtains open, even when you are home.
� If you are traveling during the holidays, be sure to stop the paper and mail delivery or have a trusted neighbor or friend pick them up daily.
� Keep your garage doors closed.
� Leave on outside lights. This deters burglars by eliminating their hiding places.
� Don�t leave empty boxes/sacks on the curb for trash pickup. This is an advertisement to the thief of the new items you may have gotten over the holiday season.
� Report all suspicious activity to the Police Department at 903-237-1199.