Have yourself a merry (and safe) holiday season

Public Service Announcement

As the holiday season approaches, residents are reminded to celebrate with care and mindfulness. No matter your winter plans, taking simple precautions can help ensure your holidays are both joyful and safe. Don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday cheer - use these tips to keep your spirits bright.

Avoid theft from your vehicle   - Always lock doors and roll windows up   - Remove valuables or keep them out of sight   - Park in well-lit, well-travelled areas   - Keep driveway lights on overnight   - Never leave spare keys in the vehicle Avoid holiday fraud If the sale seems too good to be true, it probably is! Common fraud red flags include:   - High-pressure tactics   - Requests for personal or financial information   - Unknown callers who won’t verify who they are Protect yourself by:   - Verifying the call with a trusted service provider   - Research the person or organization calling   - Get a second opinion from a friend or family member   - Say no and hang up Avoid house fires   - Cut 2-5 centimetres off the base of fresh trees. Keep in water above cut   - Keep trees at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, vents or lights   - Ensure trees do not block any exits   - Always unplug tree lights before leaving the house or sleeping   - Ensure artificial trees are fire retardant and use flame-resistant materials   - Never use lights on metal trees   - Avoid candles near trees or decorations Looking for more ways to improve safety? Scroll through the Community Safety Toolkit at kelowna.ca/communitysafety. Find more fire safety resources and tips at kelowna.ca/fire.