As it gets dark out earlier and snow begins to fall, it’s important to retain your vigilant mindset into the winter and follow Christmas safety shopping tips. This is so you can avoid the many potentially dangerous situations that come with the colder months.
Below, we outlined the key safety tips for Christmas shopping, or for traveling anywhere this winter—whether it’s a long road trip, or to your local grocery store.
Prepare Before You Drive Anywhere
First things first, it’s always important to stay prepared and create an emergency car kit! This is especially important if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road after a crash or running out of gas—it may even save your life.
Here are some essentials for your emergency car kit:
- Portable cell phone charger
- Extra hats, gloves, blankets
- Extra food and water
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Tire pump
- Booster cables
You’ll also want to make sure your car is up-to-date with routine maintenance. Check for any leaks or any necessary repairs, as well. A predator can (and will) take advantage of someone stopped alongside the road.
Additionally, you need to dress properly for the weather, even when you’re inside a warm car. Bundle up by wearing boots, gloves, hats, scarves, and a winter coat!
Vigilance On the Road
Next up, how can you be safe on the road during the winter?
- Always keep your gas tank more than half-full: This helps prevent ice in your tank and fuel lines. It’s also important to keep your car fueled up in case you get stuck in snow or traffic; you will need more fuel than anticipated.
- Avoid driving in hazardous road conditions: Always wait until weather and road conditions improve before heading out on the roads.
- Warm your car up before you go: Warm up theft is common during the winter months; this is when cars are stolen when cars, with keys in the ignition, are left unattended to “warm up.” However, autostart key fobs also let predators know that someone is going to come to the car soon. Therefore, you should look around as you approach the car, get in, lock the doors and drive away.
Shop Safely This Holiday Season
The combination of winter weather and the busy holiday shopping season makes it the perfect time for predators to commit crime. Stay safe on the roads (and in the stores) with these tips:
Easy Tips for Safe Shopping
- Keep your purse close to your body: Make sure it’s securely shut, so that nothing falls out and no one can reach in it. Use a smaller size purse when you can.
- Keep your financial information away from wandering eyes: Pay with a card when possible, and don’t flash around cash.
- Don’t overload yourself carrying shopping bags to your car: If you buy more than you can carry, you become more vulnerable and more visible to potential thieves. If you need assistance, ask for help from an employee.
Remain Vigilant; Even in the Parking Lot
- Drive defensively: With so many people out and about, it’s never a good idea to partake in road rage. Instead, drive cautiously and always look for pedestrians.
- Be patient when looking for a parking spot: Don’t speed up to catch that empty (or soon-to-be empty) spot.
- Park your car in a well-lit area: Try to park as close to the store as possible. You can also make a mental note of where you parked, or even a picture.
- Have your keys in-hand when walking back to your vehicle: Before approaching your car, glance around, under, and inside your vehicle.
Whether you’re driving, walking, or shopping, it’s important to implement vigilance in your everyday life; no matter the weather!
Interested in learning more about vigilance from Stiletto Agency? Contact us today!
