NL Police continue holiday safety awareness campaigns
The festive holiday season has arrived, and RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador want everyone to make safety a priority — both on at home and on the roads — as you enjoy travel, shopping and time with loved ones.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, and these simple steps can help ensure it remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Home safety
With many families travelling or hosting gatherings, it’s important to take steps to secure your home.
Lock doors and windows, use timers on lights and ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property if you’re going to be away. Once you’re done wrapping and unwrapping, make sure that you are not leaving the boxes for large, high-value gifts at the curb.
Fire safety is also important during the holidays — ensure candles are never left unattended and that space heaters and holiday lights are used safely.
Safe and secure shopping
Whether shopping in person or online, protect your wallet and your shopping finds by staying alert.
In malls and parking lots, keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings. Always lock your vehicle, even if you’ll only be gone a moment, and stow gifts and packages in the trunk.
When shopping online, use reputable retailers and avoid unsolicited links or messages. We all love a deal but be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true — they probably are!
Take added steps to protect your deliveries by tracking your packages. Use secure pick-up locations if you know you won’t be home, monitor doorbell cameras and keep doorway delivery spots well-lit.
Be scam savvy
For many, the holidays are a time of giving, but not every call for help is authentic.
Make sure your generosity reaches those who truly need it by verifying that a charity is trusted and registered before giving and trusting your instinct if something feels off (like if you notice a strange URL or if you can’t validate a story meant to tug at your heartstrings).
Always ask or locate the charitable tax number and confirm their registration with the Canada Revenue Agency – List of Charities or by phone at 1-800-267-2384. Whenever possible, donate at the source.
Impaired driving
They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, so make sure that you arrive home safely! Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a reckless and unnecessary choice that can lead to lifelong consequences, serious injury or death.
This holiday season, drive sober and have a plan to get home safely. Designated drivers, ride-share services, taxis, public transportation and spending the night are all safe alternatives to getting behind the wheel.
Road safety and winter driving
Winter weather and changing road conditions can make driving unpredictable. If you are hitting the road this holiday season, make sure you’re planning ahead and leaving plenty of extra time to get where you are going.
Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with proper tires, clear windows, functioning lights and an emergency kit.
When snow falls, everyone loves to see the plow – but it’s important to remain patient and stay well back of snowplows and crews.
Most importantly, remember that snow means slow!
Police remind the public to report suspicious activity, suspected impaired drivers, or scams to police. In emergencies, call 9-1-1.