Holiday Safety Tips

Published on December 19, 2024

‘Tis the Season for Safety

Keep the Grinch Away: Holiday Safety Tips for Gifts and Packages

Don’t let thieves steal your holiday cheer.

The holiday season is a prime time for package thieves and car prowlers. Kirkland Police offer these simple tips to keep your gifts and deliveries safe:

Package Safety

  • Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when packages arrive.
  • Provide specific delivery instructions to keep packages out of sight.
  • Have packages delivered to work, a trusted neighbor, or a secure pickup location.
  • Don’t leave deliveries unattended for long—ask a neighbor to grab them if you’re not home.

Shopping Safety

  • Always lock your car and roll up the windows.
  • Keep valuables, bags, and gifts out of sight. Better yet, take them with you!
  • Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, and avoid spots hidden by large vehicles or shrubs.
  • Drop gifts off at home if you can—don’t let thieves spot you loading up your car.

 

Prevent Fire Hazards

The holidays are a time for festive lights, cozy decorations, and candlelit charm—but they also bring an increased risk of fire. Did you know over one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles? The Kirkland Fire Department has some simple tips to help keep your celebrations safe and bright:

  • Water real trees regularly—dry trees can quickly become a fire hazard.
  • Keep candles away from decorations, trees, and anything flammable.
  • Check your holiday lights: Use indoor lights indoors, outdoor lights outdoors, and replace any worn cords or loose bulb connections.
  • Hang lights safely: Use clips, not nails, to avoid damaging cords.
  • Be fire-ready: Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher—and know how to use it.

Before you leave the house or head to bed:

  • Blow out candles to keep your space safe.
  • Turn off all lights and decorations to prevent hazards.

Check out this video from FEMA to see easy tips you can follow to stay safe.  

Prep Your Pets for Winter Weather

Are your pets prepared for winter weather? Keep your furry friends safe by updating their microchip and Kirkland Pet License info. Pack a kit with the essentials: food, water, medications, a favorite toy, and a towel or blanket. If your pet gets nervous around others, consider adding a muzzle too. A little prep now means peace of mind later! Get more tips to build your kit here: ready.gov/pets 

Some pets love a party, while others prefer peace and quiet. If you’re hosting guests, make sure your pets stay safe and sound this season—starting with a pet license from the Kirkland Police Department so they can find their way home if they get out. Here are some tips to keep tails wagging and paws out of trouble:

Party Time:

  • If your pet gets overwhelmed by visitors, set them up in a quiet room or crate for comfort.
  • Avoid putting pets outside in cold weather—keep them cozy inside with plenty of toys to stay busy.
  • Let guests know ahead of time you have a pet, so everyone’s prepared.

No Table Scraps!

Keep your pet on their regular food and treats. Some common holiday foods to avoid:

  • Bones, candy, citrus, coffee, raisins, nuts, raw meat/fish, onions, and chocolate.

Holiday Decor Tips:

  • Keep pets from chewing on tree branches or drinking water from the tree base—both can be harmful.
  • Position lights, tinsel, and ornaments out of reach.
  • Never leave candles unattended—pets can easily knock them over.
  • Watch out for seasonal plants like ivy, holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias, which can be toxic if ingested.

 

Be a Holiday Hero: Help Prevent Impaired Driving 

For many, the holidays mean parties, celebrations, and time spent with loved ones. But they can also come with a higher risk of impaired driving. Let’s all do our part to keep the season safe by preventing drunk or high driving.

Washington law enforcement will be out in full force with extra patrols through January 1, and you can help, too. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission offers these tips:

  • Be the sober driver or stop someone you care about from getting behind the wheel impaired.
  • Arrange a ride — call a cab, rideshare, or designate a driver.
  • Offer your couch for the night or help them stay where they are.
  • Call for backup — if you’re unsure how to intervene, get others to help or call 911.

If you call 911 to prevent a crash, remember:

  • Share the car’s make, model, and license plate.
  • Give the route, direction, and a description of the driver.

Stopping someone from driving impaired is like reaching out to prevent a fall—you’re helping protect them and everyone else on the road. Let’s get everyone home safely this holiday season.

 

Let’s keep the season bright and safe. Stay alert, take precautions, and enjoy your holidays! 

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