Why Holiday Safety Matters: A Guide to Staying Secure This Festive Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection with loved ones. It's a time when we decorate our homes, shop for gifts, and travel to visit family and friends. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when safety risks increase. Criminal activity, distracted behavior, and emergencies tend to spike during the holidays, making it essential to prioritize safety and security.

At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday season. By understanding potential risks and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property while maintaining the holiday spirit. In this article, we’ll explore why holiday safety matters and provide practical advice on how to stay safe in three key areas: your home, when traveling, and while out in public spaces.

The Increased Risks During the Holiday Season

The holidays bring with them a unique set of challenges that make individuals and families more vulnerable. Consider the following statistics:

Home burglaries increase by up to 20% in December due to unoccupied homes and visible gift packages.
Holiday shopping season sees a rise in theft, scams, and pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Travel accidents and emergencies surge as millions of people take to the roads and skies.

These risks are compounded by the fact that people are often distracted, in a rush, or carrying more valuables than usual. Staying vigilant and prepared is crucial for avoiding these hazards.

1. Holiday Safety in the Home

Your home is your sanctuary, especially during the holidays. But the influx of guests, packages, and decorations can create vulnerabilities.

Protecting Your Home From Burglary

Use Smart Security: Install cameras, motion detectors, and smart locks to deter potential intruders.
Avoid Advertising Gifts: Don’t leave wrapped presents visible from windows or post about expensive purchases on social media.
Dispose of Packaging Safely: After the holidays, break down boxes for high-value items like TVs or gaming consoles and conceal them in recycling bins.

Fire Hazards During the Holidays

Inspect Decorations: Check holiday lights and extension cords for frayed wires or damage.
Keep an Eye on Candles: Candles create a cozy atmosphere but can be a major fire risk if left unattended. Use flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.
Water Live Trees: A dry Christmas tree can become a fire hazard. Ensure it’s kept away from heat sources and watered daily.

Plan for Emergencies

Create a family emergency plan that includes fire evacuation routes and communication strategies. Viking 6 Tactical offers home preparedness training that can help you identify and mitigate risks specific to your household.

2. Staying Safe While Traveling

Whether you’re driving to visit relatives or flying to a vacation destination, traveling during the holidays comes with its own set of safety concerns.

Vehicle Safety and Preparedness

Prepare Your Car: Before a long trip, check your tire pressure, oil, and battery. Carry a roadside emergency kit that includes blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and water.
Stay Alert on the Road: Holiday traffic can be stressful, with drivers rushing to get to their destinations. Stay calm, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws.
Secure Valuables: Don’t leave gifts, luggage, or electronics visible in your car. Lock items in the trunk or hide them out of sight.

Traveling By Air

Protect Your Belongings: Keep your ID, wallet, and electronics in a secure, easily accessible place. Avoid putting valuables in checked luggage.
Stay Aware of Scams: Be cautious of offers for free upgrades or help from strangers in airports. Stick to official personnel and counters for assistance.

3. Public Safety While Shopping and Dining Out

The hustle and bustle of the holidays often mean spending more time in crowded malls, parking lots, and restaurants, where situational awareness is critical.

Shopping Safety Tips

Park Smart: Always park in well-lit areas and lock your car. Be cautious when loading packages into your vehicle.
Avoid Distractions: Stay off your phone while walking in parking lots or shopping centers. Keeping your head up and being alert can deter potential criminals.
Carry Essentials Only: Minimize the cash and cards you carry. Use a crossbody bag or a front pocket for wallets to avoid pickpocketing.

Dining Out

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings: Keep purses or bags where you can see them, such as on your lap or between your feet. Avoid leaving them on the back of a chair.
Stay Aware of Exits: Know where exits are in case of an emergency, especially in crowded or unfamiliar restaurants.

Online Shopping Safety

Shop From Reputable Sites: Stick to well-known retailers and avoid clicking on suspicious links or ads.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with credit cards instead of debit cards for added fraud protection.
Track Packages: Porch piracy spikes during the holidays. Use package lockers or have items delivered to a secure location if possible.

How Viking 6 Tactical Can Help You Stay Safe

At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe that safety starts with preparation and awareness. Through our range of training programs, we equip individuals and families with the skills and knowledge to handle any situation with confidence.

What We Offer:

Home Preparedness Training: Learn how to secure your home against intrusions, create emergency plans, and identify safety risks.
Situational Awareness Classes: Master the art of recognizing and avoiding threats in public spaces, including shopping malls and restaurants.
Emergency Trauma Training: Be prepared for medical emergencies with training in bleeding control and first aid.
Custom Safety Workshops: We can tailor training sessions to meet the unique needs of your family, group, or organization.

Final Thoughts: Make Safety a Priority This Holiday Season

The holidays should be a time of joy, not worry. By taking proactive steps to secure your home, plan your travels, and stay vigilant in public, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from preventable dangers.

At Viking 6 Tactical, our mission is to empower you with the skills and confidence to navigate the season safely. Remember, safety doesn’t just happen—it’s something you plan for. This holiday season, give yourself and your family the gift of peace of mind by prioritizing safety in every aspect of your life.

If you’re ready to take your preparedness to the next level, contact us at Viking 6 Tactical to schedule a class or consultation. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—for all the right reasons.