12/04/2009

  

  Holiday Message from

Orange County Sheriff

Jerry Demings:

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Happy Holidays! 

 

I hope you were able to spend quality time with your family during the Thanksgiving Holiday and perhaps catch a football game or two.  While we give thanks for what we have and for our families, there are others out there that are less fortunate.  Please remember to provide for the charities of your choice, giving during the holidays, can be as simple as volunteering at your place of worship, favorite charity or even donating blood.

 

Since many of us may be traveling during the holidays, we have provided these series of safety tips which may assist you during any holiday travel.

                             

Holiday Travel:

 

   If you are leaving during the holidays or out shopping. Reduce your chances of a burglary by    making your home appear occupied.  Such as:

1.      Using timers within different locations in your home. Not only for lighting fixtures but also for electronics such as televisions and radios. Never put a Christmas tree or Christmas lights on a timer if you will be gone.

2.      Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and place their trash receptacle in your driveway.

3.      If a friend or neighbor has an extra car, have them park it in your driveway.

4.      Leave your gifts at the home of a friend or family member while you are gone.

   Contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office or your local law enforcement agency and request

  they do area checks of your home while you are away. If you come back early, let us know.

   Leave a travel itinerary with a friend.  Make sure you provide them expected time of arrival,        departure, address, phone numbers and who you will be with. Make sure you check in with them.

   Travel with a fully charged cell phone, and charger for both your vehicle and a regular outlet.

   Make sure your vehicle is in good condition to include; tire, tire pressure, proper fluid levels and

 it is always fueled. Have a mechanic check it out before you go.

   If you travel with a GPS, always make sure you have a back up such as a map or pre-printed        directions. Always check for road closures, construction and weather conditions. If you are  traveling in Florida you can always call 5-1-1 for road information.

   Always travel with your windows up and doors locked. If you need to ask directions, make sure you stop at a well traveled well lighted location such as a gas station.

   Always wear your seat belt and make sure children are properly restrained. 

   Never discuss your travel plans with a stranger.

   If you are using a rental vehicle make sure you become familiar with it. 

   Limit personal information on your luggage tags.

   Many criminal elements will target those who look like travelers.  Avoid becoming a target by:

1.      Keep items in your vehicle out of plain view such as souvenirs and maps.

2.      Avoid wearing clothing that is sold to tourist in that particular area.

3.      Carry a camera that will fit in your pocket or purse.

4.      Personalize your rental vehicle by placing a simple inexpensive air freshener on your rear view mirror.

   For more detailed travel tips you can visit http://www.ocso.com and click on “Tourist Tips” 

 

In our continuing series, the next message will be about child safety during the holidays. If you would like to preview our holiday child safety message and future holiday crime prevention messages, you can go to our website at http://www.ocso.com and click on our Crime Prevention link.