Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us once again. I recently received a list of safety tips from the County Information Security Officer of San Joaquin County, courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security. While shopping, we tend to forget elementary safety precautions. This list will serve as a refresher! Have a happy holiday and BE SAFE!

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings
• Carry only the amount of cash or number of credit cards necessary to make your purchases. Using debit or credit cards is much safer than carrying a lot of cash. However, if you must carry a large sum of money, divide the cash between your purse, pockets, and wallet.
• When using a credit card, be certain that you get yours back, as well as any and all copies of the receipt.
• Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a personal check.
• Carry your purse close to your body with the flap turned into your body. Never wrap the strap around your body.
• Keep your wallet in the breast pocket of your jacket or in your side pants pocket. The rear pants pocket is the easiest to pick.
• Never leave presents on display in your car. Lock them in the trunk.
• Don’t leave belongings unattended. Do not hang your purse over the back of your chair in a restaurant; keep it on your lap.