Safety Around the Holidays

From the joy of Christmas morning and opening gifts – my excitement has turned to finding happiness in seeing all my loved ones together. Regardless of your religious beliefs, the month of December is a very special season for most of us, but what is easy to forget is that while this is the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be the most dangerous time of the year.

If this surprises you, think about all the times you’ve seen people out alone, groups of teens, or shoppers who are on a mission to get a gift not realizing what’s going on around them. Without even knowing it, these people are already potential targets to the criminals who specifically watch out for flustered holiday goers, whether you’re traveling alone or just not paying attention. Safety is one thing that it critical to keep as number one on your list this year, and every year after that.

Crime on average rises around the holidays and while you’re out shopping late on black friday, or for a quick trip to pick up one last gift, it’s important to know this fact.

The holidays alone are stressful enough; I recently read that stress in general increases around holiday times – so not only is the whole world at different kind of ease with the weight of who gets what present, fighting lines, and dealing with any issues that may arise. I mean we’re all humans here and having a perfect holiday takes a lot of work, and may in fact be impossible. Whether the weather isn’t treating you right, or your flight is delayed – stress is steaming through the crisp holiday air wherever you may be. But besides the fact that being with loved ones is able to relieve a lot of stress; you may be finding yourself in a distracted state at numerous times this holiday season.

One thing that I would like you to take from this blog is that there are numerous tedious things you can do to help protect your safety this holiday season. The first thing I want you to do is download Covert Alert now! This app is one that can save your life, it should be your first instinct if you’re ever caught in an uncomfortable situation during the holidays. Being aware of your surroundings is crucial so you are able to truly identify a situation; for example criminals are out there because they know they are able to blend in easier with the craze of the holiday crowds. If you decide that you need to head to the store to pick up one last thing, always remember exactly where you parked so you don’t find yourself wondering the parking lot late at night. This is where a lot of criminals are able to hide and potentially rob or harm you.

Another is never keep looking down at your phone when you’re heading back to your destination – this is the exact distracted state a criminal would love to take advantage of. It is less likely for someone to be attacked if they are seemingly going on with a sense of motivation to get somewhere, not distracted. But there isn’t only crime at the stores during the holidays – it could be online too. Making sure you don’t fall for anything that doesn’t seem right on the internet when buying or selling something, scammers are out there and are extremely good at manipulating people. For myself I am almost always with someone when I go out during the holidays, and never leave any valuables in my car when I head into the store. In one second your life could change this holiday season; I hope you are able to stay aware of all surroundings and be smart and take proper initiative to keeping yourself safe and your loved ones. Happy Holidays!