BATON ROUGE, LA – ‘Tis the season for decking the
halls and hitting the malls; and in the midst of all the holiday cheer –
Attorney General Jeff Landry reminds Louisiana citizens that reports of fires,
injuries, thefts, and scams increase during this busy time of year.
“The first line of defense is to reduce your own
vulnerability and do what you can to minimize risk,” said General Landry. “So
as consumers gear up for the holidays, I urge them to take some basic
precautions to ensure that their families remain safe and injury-free
throughout the Christmas Season.”
General Landry offers the following safety tips to help
keep the holidays merry and bright:
Decorations
Treat decorations with care. Do not place Christmas trees near a heat source, like a
fireplace or heat vent. Natural trees should be watered daily and removed from
the home or business as soon as they become dry. Christmas lights should be
inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or
cracked sockets, and excessive wear. Do not overload outlets or connect strings
of lights into extension cords. Make sure candles are in stable holders and
placed where they cannot easily be knocked over. Never leave Christmas lights
on or candles burning when leaving the house or going to bed.
Vehicles
Secure your vehicle. Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out
of your car. Do not leave packages or valuables in plain sight. If something
must be left in car, lock it in the trunk. Park in well-lit areas and be aware
of surroundings when approaching or exiting the car.
Driving
Remain vigilant and focused. Never drink and
drive; use a designated driver. Ensure everyone in car wears their seatbelts.
Properly maintain vehicle and check tire pressure. Be prepared for heavy
traffic and unusually long drive times. Check the weather and conditions. Stick
to the speed limit. Do not drive when tired.
Shopping
Minimize your risk while shopping. Shop during
daylight hours, if possible. If shopping at night is necessary, park in a
well-lit area. Dress comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. Do not
carry large amounts of cash. Keep purses and wallets secure at all times. Avoid
overloading bags or packages. Beware of strangers approaching as con artists
may try various methods of distraction. Ask for a security escort if anything
or anyone looks suspicious.
Homes
Safeguard your home. Remember to lock all doors
and windows. Keep the exterior of homes well-lit. Do not leave gifts where they
can be seen from outside the residence. Open doors only to familiar people and
never allow any unknown person inside. If on vacation, have the post office
hold delivery or have a trusted neighbor pick up all newspapers, mail, and
packages daily.
For more consumer safety tips and information, visit www.AGJeffLandry.com
or call General Landry’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-351-4889.