With Thanksgiving being one of the busiest holidays for travel, the DeFuniak Springs Police would like to offer tips to our citizens to make it a happy and safe holiday.
Travel Tips
? Plan Ahead - Prior to traveling, obtain a map or download the latest available GPS data to your electronic device.
? Let others know of your route, departure, and arrival destination. If traveling for an extended distance, keep in touch with a family members and/or friends, informing them of your location. Daytime travel is best!
? Buckle Up! Also ensure passengers and especially children are secured with the appropriate restraint device.
? Do not pick up hitchhikers or stranded motorists. Should you observe anyone in need of assistance, extend them the courtesy of reporting your observation to law enforcement at your earliest opportunity.
? Have a fully charged cellular telephone with you at all times and vehicle charger for extended travel distance.
? If you experience a breakdown, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and activate your emergency flashers. Immediately summon assistance from a reputable source and/or call for law enforcement response. If a stranger stops, speak to them through a partially rolled-down window and do not exit your vehicle until a law enforcement officer or tow truck operator arrives.
? Devote your full time and attention to driving! Don’t text and drive! If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over and take a break at a safe location.
Shopping Tips
Whether you are doing some early Christmas shopping or preparing for a Thanksgiving feast, shoppers are reminded to be alert of their surroundings.
? Park in a visible area that will be well lit if shopping after dark.
? Hide-It, Take-It, Lock-It… Hide valuables in your vehicle from sight. Take smaller items of value with you. Lock your vehicle to help deter theft.
? Always accompany younger child(ren) to a restroom facility.
? Consolidate purchases into one or two bags so you can keep track of everything. Never leave purchases unattended, even for a few minutes.
? Handle bank and credit cards as if they were cash and memorize your PIN codes.
? If you withdraw money from an ATM, ensure it is in a highly visible location. For withdrawals made after dark it is recommended that you have someone accompany you and avoid making large cash withdrawals. Minimize time spent at the ATM by being prepared to make the withdrawal and immediately
leaving the area. Avoid using the ATM if you see anyone loitering near the machine or approaching your location in a suspicious manner.
Cooking Safety Tips
? Always remain in the kitchen while cooking food on the stovetop. Whenever you are utilizing the oven make sure to use the timer and conduct kitchen checks.
? Keep the cooking area clean and free of easily combustible items such as food packaging, drapes, towels, food wrappers and potholders. They should be kept a minimum of 3 feet away from the oven, stove or other hot surface.
? When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. The clothing can catch on fire and the jewelry can catch on pot handles, causing spills and burns.
? Keep young children away from the cooking area and closely monitor them while they are in the kitchen.
? When deep frying a turkey, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions relating to the proper usage of the cooker. It should be placed on a level surface, in an open area away from homes, fences, sheds and other structures. Never place the cooker on a wooden deck or inside a garage. The cooker should be monitored at all times and children should not be allowed
in the area while the cooker is being used.
? Not only do humans face hazards during the cooking of Thanksgiving
dinners. Dogs and other pets should be prevented from getting into or near the cooking area.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to enjoy family around the dinner table. My hope is that everyone has safe travels and a wonderful holiday. From our families to yours, we wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving! – Chief Mark Weeks