Maitland City Talk

Now that the presents have been unwrapped and we prepare for the upcoming New Year’s celebration, here are some important safety tips to remember for the remainder of the holiday season.

After you’ve opened the gifts

Burglars know that many households have new, and oftentimes expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays — especially items such as new computers and peripherals, stereo components, televisions, cameras and other electronic equipment. In too many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by placing the empty boxes that identifies their new gifts in plain view with their other garbage.

Avoid becoming an easy target — break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can. In many cases, especially with computer equipment, you might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, shipping or moving in the future. Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside — in a garage, for example — until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts.

And, of course, if you see someone suspicious, call the Maitland Police Department non-emergency number at 407-539-6262. If you see a burglary in progress, call 911 immediately.

Take a holiday inventory

The holidays are a good time to update — or create — your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. Make sure items like TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, sports equipment, jewelry, silver, computers, home office equipment and power tools are on the list. Remember to check it twice!

Celebrate responsibly

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road. Remember that the risk isn't worth it. If there will be drinking at your holiday get-together, choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free. The daily death toll from drunk driving crashes during the holiday period is significantly higher than during the rest of the year. There were 774 people killed in drunk driving accidents last year in Florida alone. During the 2010 holiday season, of the 32 deaths on Florida roads, 12 were alcohol-related.

Have a very happy and safe holiday season with your family and friends!

— Sergeant Louis Grindle, Maitland Police Department