Thanksgiving is this week, and that means families throughout the area will be returning to their annual traditions. For many, that means traveling to see loved ones, and for others it means opening their homes to host. And for most, it means making their way to the stores sometime this weekend. It’s important to remember that these wonderful traditions also provide opportunity for criminals to take advantage, as well as for simple oversights to put you and your loved ones in serious danger.

The Pell City Police Department has some tips for you to stay safe this season. Officers of the Pell City Police Department will be out in full force this holiday season, and they stand ready to help anyone in need.

Officers will be heavily working the shopping districts in vehicles, bike patrol, and foot patrol. The residential patrols will also be increased by utilizing members of every division in the department. It is their goal that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season by being mindful of some of these basic safety tips.

Contact your police department if you’re leaving town

If you plan to travel for Thanksgiving, contact your police department by phone or e-mail so that the agency’s officers and volunteers can keep a close check on your home. With over 42 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving, take the extra time to assure you car is serviced and you are not rushing your trip in heavy traffic. More congestion on the roadway leads to more accidents during this time of year.

Prepare you home for the possibility of fires

With over 4,000 kitchen fires being reported over the holiday weekend, it is important to understand that most kitchen fires are started from unattended cooking. Though this is twice the average number of fires, a watchful eye in the kitchen is the perfect solution to prevent fires and protect children. Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher accessible and adult supervision. Also, remember the “Five for Five-Keep them Alive” rule when it comes to choking accidents. The American Red Cross recommends five back blows and five upward abdominal thrusts to choking victims.

Keep a watchful eye while shopping

While shopping, be mindful of the increase in identity theft and other crimes during the holidays. The best way to prevent identity theft is to keep a constant check on your bank accounts and credit cards. Be very suspicious of how thieves may “Shoulder Surf” you while you use your cards and PIN numbers as well as “Dumpster Dive” for copies of your transactions. Thieves will also be calling you personally to scam you out of your personal information. Families should assure that the older members of their families are protected because they are usually targets for these types of scams. While shopping, also be mindful of hiding anything in your car that may be attractable to a thief. Thieves will be out walking the parking lots and looking in the cars for easy targets. Leaving a purse, cell phone, GPS, or gift within view is an invitation for a theft.

Be smart about online shopping

If you shop online, only use legitimate, known businesses that have protected account transactions. Keep copies of all of these transactions in a safe and secure file in case there is a discrepancy. Once your packages begin to arrive, make sure that you, or a neighbor you trust, will be available to pick up or receive the packages. Many thieves will follow behind delivery trucks in an attempt to steal packages from garages and front doors. By being vigilant and reporting anything that is suspicious this time of year, the police and the community can quickly protect their neighborhood and communities from these types of opportunists.

PCPD can be reached by calling (205) 884-3334 or E-mailing gregturley@epell.net. The department’s Facebook page can also be found by typing in keyword “Pell City Police.”