Holiday Safety Guide: Staying Safe During the Holidays.

The holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, but they also bring unique safety challenges that can catch even the most careful people off guard.

From home burglaries to incidents in crowded shopping areas, staying safe starts with situational awareness—being mindful of your surroundings and recognizing potential threats before they escalate.

Let me share two stories that changed how I think about safety during this festive season.

Holiday Danger: Real-Life Warnings

The Forgotten Apartment: My college professor went away for the holidays and returned to find his entire apartment cleaned out. His neighbors didn't notice anything suspicious—they even saw movers and assumed he was relocating. If he'd just told a trusted neighbor about his trip, this might have been prevented.

The Mall Nightmare: During a busy holiday shopping trip, I witnessed a terrifying moment. A woman ran into the store, screaming that she'd been stabbed in the parking lot while her purse was stolen. In an instant, holiday cheer turned into a dangerous situation.

These experiences taught me one crucial lesson: staying aware of your surroundings can prevent serious problems.

What Makes You Vulnerable?

The holiday season brings unique risks. Crowded malls, packed events, and bustling airports create perfect conditions for accidents or criminal activity.

Situational awareness—the ability to stay mindful of your surroundings and anticipate potential threats—becomes vital during this hectic time.

Holidays often take us to unfamiliar places: a busy shopping center, a festive party, or a new city for a family visit. This unfamiliarity makes us more vulnerable, as it's harder to gauge what's normal or out of place.

Situational awareness empowers you to recognize when something doesn't feel right, enabling you to take proactive steps to avoid trouble.

The Core of Awareness

Understanding situational awareness isn't just about looking around; it's about perceiving, understanding, and anticipating what's happening in your environment.

It involves three key components: perception (observing your surroundings), comprehension (interpreting potential risks), and projection (anticipating what might happen next and taking action).

Challenges to Staying Alert During the Holidays

The holiday hustle and bustle can make staying alert particularly challenging. Crowded spaces create sensory overload that can make it harder to focus.

Festive decorations, music, and the temptation to check your phone while walking can divide your attention.

Stress, excitement, or sadness can cloud your judgment, taking your focus away from your environment and leaving you vulnerable to risks.

Protecting Your Home

Protecting yourself starts at home.

Secure all doors and windows with sturdy locks, install motion-activated lights, and be cautious with package deliveries.

Porch pirates are common during the holidays, so schedule deliveries when you'll be home or use secure drop-off locations.

Inspect holiday lights and electrical cords carefully before use. Discard any cords with frayed wiring, exposed metal, cracked insulation, or damaged plugs.

Only use lights and decorations that are in perfect condition and have been tested for safety.

Avoid overloading electrical circuits by checking the manufacturer's recommended maximum wattage. Unplug all decorations before going to bed or leaving the house to prevent potential electrical fires.

Don’t forget the common causes of injury and illness around the holidays.

Chimneys can accumulate creosote, posing a fire hazard—make sure they’re inspected and cleaned regularly.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

Always practice cooking safety. Staying mindful of these precautions can help keep your home safe and your family healthy.

After the holidays, carefully dispose of boxes from expensive items to avoid advertising your new possessions to potential thieves.

Safety While Shopping, Holiday Events, and Traveling

When shopping, park in well-lit areas and choose spots near store entrances. Stay alert in parking lots, scanning your surroundings before approaching your vehicle.

Keep your phone tucked away and your valuables hidden—use a crossbody bag or keep your wallet in a front pocket to deter pickpockets.

Whenever possible, shop with a friend, as there's safety in numbers. Consider carrying a self-defense tool like pepper spray, and always trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.

At holiday events and while traveling, know your exit routes and have a predetermined meeting spot if you're in a group. Carry only essential items and keep your phone fully charged.

Plan travel routes carefully and share your itinerary with someone you trust. If driving, inspect your vehicle before long trips, pack an emergency kit, and plan for regular breaks.

When flying, keep important items in your carry-on and never leave your belongings unattended.

Your Holiday Safety Strategy

Remember, situational awareness isn't about living in fear—it's about enjoying the holiday season with confidence and preparedness. Keep your head up, your eyes open, and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, take action to remove yourself from the situation.

The holidays are a time to cherish, and a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable. Stay alert, stay safe, and have a wonderful holiday season!