Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The Paramus police Department Urges Holiday Shoppers to Stay Safe in what we wish for you are a time for cheer, hope and joy, but unfortunately, it can be a time when crime becomes more prevalent, and traffic incidents frequently occur. We offer a few tips for staying safe this holiday season and although many seem like common sense, the hustle and bustle of the season, the pressures and stress that have also come to mark this time of year, often result in “tunnel vision”. We urge everyone to slow it down, think about where you are, and what you are doing. Nothing should be more important than your and your loved one’s safety. Remember that everyone on the road, in the parking lot and on line at the cash register, has the same concerns, the same pressures and the same rights to enjoy a safe shopping or travelling experience. Please review these tips and have a very happy holiday season:

When you are shopping:

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Dress comfortably and casually. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases.
• When using public restrooms, use extreme caution — try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles.
• Park smartly, in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, remember where you have parked, do not leave any valuables exposed
• Be particularly aware of persons in the parking lot, especially near your car.
• When returning to your auto (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door. Be aware of your surroundings and the condition of your vehicle, if you do not feel safe call security or return to the store
• Lock your doors immediately after entering the vehicle.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Don't allow your attention to become distracted from your purse or packages.
• Teach children to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall.
• Don't hesitate to notify store security if you see suspicious activity.
• If you have to wait for a ride, wait in a busy, well-lighted place.
• If you are a victim of a crime, report it to police immediately.

Home Safety

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
• Don't put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
• When going on trips or out for evenings, use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it appear you are home.
• Immediately after the holidays, mark new gifts with your New Jersey Driver's License or ID number.
• Don't advertise what you got for Christmas by putting the boxes out on trash day. Break the boxes down or take them to the dump yourself.

The Three P's of Safe Winter Driving: PREPARE for the trip;
PROTECT yourself; and
PREVENT crashes on the road.
Maintain Your Car: Check battery and tire tread, keep your windows clear, put no- freeze fluid in the washer reservoir, check your antifreeze.

Have On Hand:

• flashlight,
• jumper cables,
• abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats),
• shovel,
• snow brush and ice scraper,
• warning devices (like flares)
• blankets.

For long trips,add

food and water,
medication and cell phone.

Stopped or Stalled?
Stay with your car, don't over exert, put bright markers on antenna or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and run it just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary), be familiar with the maps/ directions, and let others know your route and arrival time.

Practice Cold Weather Driving!

• During daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on the ice or snow in an empty lot
• Steer into a skid
• Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes
• Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice
• Don't idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space
• Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving
• Slow down and increase distances between cars
• Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road
• Avoid fatigue Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at regular intervals or when you feel fatigued