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Christmas Safety
By ALDRICH TAN/Democrat Correspondent

December 21, 2005

The holiday season may be a great time to celebrate Christmas and spend time with family and friends, but it can also be a season of fires, crime and domestic violence, according to county public safety officers.

Property crime is a major issue during the holiday season, said Lt. Colleen Turay, public information officer for the Davis Police Department.

"Christmas is a time for gift-giving so everyone is purchasing new things that can be sold for money," she said. "Playstation and X-Box game consoles are popular items to steal because they are easy to sell."

Holiday burglaries tend to occur at the homes of families who have left Davis for vacation, Turay said.

"Burglars can go through backdoors or break windows to rob empty homes," she said.

To prevent a holiday burglary from happening this year, make your house look like it is being occupied at all times, Turay said.

Residents and students who plan to go on vacation should set timers for their televisions or lights to turn on for periods of time. Also, ask neighbors or trusted friends pick up newspapers so they don't pile up outside.

"Your house or apartment will not likely get hit over the holidays if it seems regularly occupied," she said.

Burglaries don't only happen in homes. Turay said there are significant increases of car burglaries at large shopping centers during the holiday.

"Don't leave visible packages in the backseat of your car where potential burglars can see them," she said.

"The Davis police department has had cases in which the residents found the burglar still inside their homes," she said. "This is a dangerous position to be in."

If your house or car does happen to seem robbed during the holiday season, contact local authorities first, Turay said. Call the police dispatch immediately rather than calling 911. Turay recommends locals to save their local dispatch center's phone numbers to their cellphones.

Even if one chooses to stay at home during the holiday season, the risks of fires over the holiday season are more dangerous than ever, said Chief Fire Marshal Ron Branigan. He is the public information officer for the Woodland Fire Department.

"Home candle fires occur in December more than any other holiday because of certain holiday rituals," he said. "We've already had one holiday fire involving a candle."

Another potential traditional Christmas tree, especially if it is a fresh-cut one, he said.

"Re-cut the trunk and put it in a sturdy tree-holder with water," Branigan said, "and keep the tree away from any heat sources, especially fireplaces and furnaces."

Fireplaces and furnaces should also be inspected and cleaned annually in time for the holidays, Branigan said. Continuous usage builds up creosote, a black charcoal-like soot that can collect within chimneys which is flammable. Holiday cooking can also lead to potential fires since heating equipment is the lead cause of fires in general.

To prepare for potential fires, locals should test their smoke detectors monthly and make sure that their sprinkling systems, if available, are also operational.

Fires are not the only things that can flare up during the holiday season, Turay said. Emotions can too and cases of domestic violence occur over the holidays.

"The home can become more dangerous at this time of year because tension runs high," she said. "Emotions run high in the increased presence of family, stress and alcohol. There are higher risks for domestic violence to happen"

Domestic violence consists of physical abuse, emotional abuse and degrading one's self-esteem, said Tammy Strobel, the crisis line and volunteer coordinator of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center of Yolo County located in Woodland.

One obvious sign of domestic violence during the holiday season is forced isolation, Strobel said.

"Many of our victims have had spouses who isolated them from their friends and family during the holiday season," she said. "They could be in a possibly abusive relationship."

Strobel advises locals to be watchful and concerned about potential acts of domestic violence and contact the police or the crisis center's hotline at 662-1133 if they suspect something.

The center itself will continue to provide legal and housing services during the holiday season, Strobel said.

"We have a 24/7 crisis line," she said. "A counselor will be available if someone needs to call in even on Christmas day."

Domestic violence, holiday fires and property theft may damper the winter break but they are important to acknowledge, Strobel said.

"Unfortunately, these issues do dampen the holiday season," she said, "but it is so important to be aware of them because they will affect and happen to other people during this time of year."

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Fire Safety Tips

Candles

Never leave a candle unattended; Try to avoid carrying a lit candle; Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights; Store candles, matches and lighters up high and out children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Christmas Trees

Unless your tree is a "choose and cut" tree, re-cut the trunk and place in a sturdy holder; Keep container filled with water; Place the tree away from heat sources.

Fireplaces, Chimneys, Wood Stoves and Inserts

Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected and cleaned annually. Always use a fireplace screen; Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace

While Shopping

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member; Dress casually. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry; Leave your purse at home and carry your wallet and keys in a fanny pack or inside a coat or front pants pocket; If you go to the ATM, do so during daylight hours; Park your car in well-lit areas; Never leave the store with your arms full of packages.

At Home

Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows; Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house; If you come home and find a door or window open, don't go in! Call the police.