Holiday safety tips

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Parrish Hollingsworth
  • 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The holidays are upon us, don't get too caught up with the festivities to the point you let your guard down and become a victim. Follow these safety tips and you can have a safe and happy holiday.

- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
- Park in well lit areas, keep windows closed and lock your car.
- Don't leave packages, wallets or purses visible through car windows.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash. If possible, pay with checks or credit cards.
- Make sure to shred copies of receipts with your credit card number on them.
- Do not give personal information such as credit card and account numbers to
solicitors over the phone. Additionally, use caution when reciting personal
information for cashiers when using checks.
- While shopping, keep your purse close to your body, not dangling. Place
your wallet in your front pants pocket or in an inside coat pocket.
- While walking to your car, keep one hand free and your keys readily available.
- If you take your children shopping, tell them to go see the store clerk or a security
officer if they get separated from you.
- If confronted, particularly by an armed adversary, surrender your money, bag,
etc. There is no gift more precious or valuable than your life!

Members of the Hurlburt community will be doing a lot of shopping on-line this year. Follow the below tips and use common sense to protect against fraud or identity theft.

- Only shop with companies you know and make sure the internet site complies
with industry security standards.
- Keep personal information private and passwords secure. Do not respond to
requests for your password or credit card information unless you initiate a
transaction.

Enjoy the holidays but don't drink and drive. If you need a ride home, call a friend, your supervisor or first sergeant. You can also call Airman Against Drunk Driving at 884-8844, for a free ride home, with no questions asked.

The 1st Security Forces Squadron wants you to have a safe and happy holiday. Contact Police Services at 884-6185 if you need further information.