December 06, 2018

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

– Guests: Lt. Michael Ford, Jr., Commander of Public Affairs and Laura Martin, Neighborhood Watch & Public Affairs Coordinator at the Little Rock Police Department |  The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. Here are some safety tips:

• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
• If you plan to leave town on vacation, contact the police department at the non-emergency number 501-371-4829 and put in a Vacation Home Report. (The officers will know the date you leave and the date you will return, and they can check on your house while you are away.)
• Put an alarm on your house.
• Always break down empty boxes that gifts came in and place them out of sight or take them to a dumpster.  Never just place them outside. It is an advertisement for burglars and robbers.
•  Close your blinds and windows, when you leave home.
• Keep a copy of the ID numbers of any electronics you have so you can identify it if it gets stolen.
• Pick up packages at the USPS, UPS, or FedEx instead of having them delivered to your home, if you will not be home during the delivery.
• Locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
• If are approached and they are demanding your purse or any items, give it to them.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Park in a well-lighted area.
• Keep bags and packages out of sight in your car.
• Get to know your neighbors and form a neighborhood watch. Call 501-915-5358 to learn more about setting up a neighborhood watch in the Little Rock area.

If you spot any suspicious activity, call the Little Rock Police. For emergency calls, dial 911.  For non-emergency calls, dial 501-371-4829.  To find out more information, Like ’em on Facebook. 

– Guests: Pine Bluff Fire Chief Shauwn Howell and Safety Officer Jerry Garganeous of Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services |  Between 2012-2016, United States Fire Departments responded to an average of 170 home  fires that started with Christmas per year.  Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 43% of home Christmas according to the National Fire Protection Association.  Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together.  But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few holiday safety tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

• As the weather changes, be sure to get a licensed technician to service your heat and air conditioner unit to make sure there is not a build up. Do not wait to have this done during the extreme cold weather.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Add water to the tree stand.  Be sure to add water daily.
• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.  Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Use precaution when using candles.  Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Obtain a smoke alarms & test them.  Also, tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• When cooking, never leave the house with food still cooking in the oven, on the stove, or in the slow cooker.
• Put a lid on a grease fire and smother it.  Do not try to extinguish a grease fire with water.

For more information and safety tips from Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services, visit www.pineblufffire.com. 

– Guests: Bobby Hooks, Owner & Operator of Security with Provisions Home Security, Inc. |  With all of the decorations, shopping, parties, and fun coming up with the holiday season, it’s important to be safe while also having fun.  Here are a few recommendations from Security with Provisions Home Security, Inc.

• Avoid the Craigslist scam.  Always meet in a public place, like the police station in order to avoid a robbery.  Alert the police about the transaction before the meeting.
• Video Doorbell by Ring is a great gadget to invest in. It is a battery-powered video doorbell that work on every home. You can answer the door from a remote location and It also has a neighborhood watch feature.
• Obtain extra lighting or motion lights.
• Beware of people selling items or their services. (i.e. – lawn care, tree cutters…etc…)
• Invest in a key fob to set your alarm.

To learn about more gadgets to help secure your home or to schedule an appointment to have your home inspected, contact Security with Provisions at 501-749-9300. or visit www.securitywithprovisions.com.