The holidays are here and as much as we want to spend time with our family and friends, it’s important to stay safe at all times.

Be sure to wear a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth when you’re around a lot of people such as family gatherings. If you are feeling under the weather don’t attend family functions, stay home and rest up. Make sure you’re constantly washing your hands with warm water and soap, and try not to touch your face at all. You all should also avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.

Before eating a meal at a family or friend’s house, politely ask them what ingredients and/or types of food they have prepared. You want to make sure you’re not allergic to any food or beverage that could potentially cause a harmful allergic reaction.

When going shopping whether it be for groceries or presents, keep your wallet and car keys close by so they don’t get stolen. Try not to go shopping or go to an ATM during the nighttime. You all should also try to park as close to the store as possible so you don’t have to walk far with shopping bags.

If you happen to see any suspicious activity during the holidays, contact your local law enforcement department immediately.

Before leaving your house, check the weather for the day and see if you need to bundle up with jackets, sweaters, gloves or rain gear such as rain boots, an umbrella, and a raincoat.

If you and your family are traveling to a different city, state or country, research nearby emergency medical care locations in case someone needs to be rushed to a hospital or clinic.

Make a list of any packages you ordered or if someone is sending you presents so you know when to expect packages at your door or delivery man or woman. Do not open the door to any strangers especially if you know you’re not receiving some type of package.

There will be more traffic on the road during the holidays so with that being said, wear seat belts, don’t text and drive and pay attention to the road. Try to avoid any distractions whether they are big or small while driving.

When leaving your home for any holiday festivity, double-check you locked all of your doors, and set the alarm (if you have one) to avoid any potential break-ins while you’re away. Also, before you leave home, check and make sure appliances are unplugged and off such as iron, the stovetop, and the oven. You all would want to prevent any potential fires while you weren’t home. Try leaving a light or two on so people walking or driving by your home think someone is home.

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