Car safety

Take precautions this festive season and prevent theft out of and from motor vehicles.
Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure your vehicle is properly locked before leaving it, including the boot.
Check physically if the doors are locked, as this will prevent anyone from using a jamming remote device on your vehicle.
If you find that you are encountering any problems, contact the police without delay.
Don’t accept help from strangers.
Keep your vehicle keys safe at all times and don’t hand your vehicle keys to anyone.
Ensure that all your valuable property is not left unattended or in full view of passers-by.
When opening the boot, make sure no one is around to view any valuables that may be inside.
If at all possible, rather leave your valuable items at work or at home, locked safely away.

Also, when parking and leaving your vehicle:
– Survey your surroundings before switching off your car;
– If you notice suspicious behaviour in the vicinity, drive off and report it to the police;
– Always try to park your vehicle in a safe area, preferably a locked garage, not on the pavement or in the street overnight;
– Use designated parking areas that are well lit;
– If you have an alarm system fitted, activate it;
– Cash is always better off in a bank, not in your car;
– Never leave a firearm in a vehicle, as it is against the law;
– Be vigilant when returning to your vehicle.

Travel safely

Whether you’re traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt appropriate for his/her height, weight, and age.

Eat healthy, and be active

With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way.
Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Limit fats, salt, and sugary foods.
Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favourite holiday music.
Be active for at least 2½ hours a week

Beach rules
• NEVER swim at beaches that aren’t patrolled.
• NEVER swim at night.
• NEVER swim under the influence of alcohol.
• NEVER run and dive into the water.
• NEVER swim directly after a meal.
• NEVER eat while swimming.

At public pool

• Obey signs giving advice to swimmers and listen to the pool guards.
• Stay away from the deep end, unless you or your child/children are competent swimmers.
• Teach kids to make sure the water is clear of swimmers before jumping in and not to run around the pool edge.
• Be aware of the depth markings on the side of the pool.
• Remember that a well-kept pool with clean water can be just as dangerous as a dirty pool or dam.
• The sloping bottom of the pool and the magnification effects of water can be deceiving.
• If anything goes wrong try not to panic. Raise your arm vertically and signal the guards and Turn over and float on your back.

Take extra precautions to make your home safe this holiday season

1. If using an artificial tree, be sure its label reads “Fire Resistant.” While this doesn’t mean it can’t catch fire, it does mean it should resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
2. If using a live tree, be sure it is fresh (it isn’t already loosing needles) and has a new, clean cut on the bottom of the trunk before putting up.
3. Place your tree away from all heat sources and water it regularly to prevent it from drying out.
4. Use flame-resistant materials to trim a tree and to decorate your home. Breakable ornaments and décor should be placed out of the reach (and if possible, sight) of children.
5. When decorating outdoors, be sure to only use lights and decorations approved for outdoor use and be sure all lights whether used indoors or out, have been tested and conform to safety standards.
6. Turn off lights when you go to bed or aren’t home.
7. Be sure that your fireplace is child-proofed. Consider placing a hearth gate around your fireplace. Don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace as it could cause a flash fire.
8. Before your child opens and plays with new toys, be sure they are age appropriate. Follow toy labelling guides for recommended age requirements.
9. When serving foods and drinks, be sure to keep all hot items out of the reach of children.