Tips For Keeping Your Home And Family Safe (NAPSA)—The holiday season is a joyoustimeofyear for millions of Americansacross the country. Within the next month,online orders will be made, pack- ages will arrive on doorsteps, and families will leave townto visit relatives or take a holiday vacation. While these may seem innocuous, criminals maysee the holiday season as a time to capitalize on gift-giv- ing and holiday vacations. Daniel Barry, University of Phoenix Las Vegas Campuschair for security & criminal justice programs anda retired Las Vegas Metro police captain, says Americans need to be on higher guard this time of year when criminals can be moreactive. There are simple ways families can protect themselves and their loved ones, hesays. “While the holidays are a special time for celebration andreflection,it is important to remainalert to thefact that criminals are aware that presents are be- ing purchased andsent and families are leaving their homes unattended,’ Barry said. “The best way to ensure your family and your homeare secureis by taking precautions to remove any openings for criminals to exploit?” Barry providesthe following security tips for a safe, merry and bright holiday season: 1. Avoid scheduling package deliv- eries when you're out of town. Going away for the holidays means you and your homeare more vulnerable to theft, particularly if packages start piling up on your doorstep. If you're planning to be away, consider having your packages delivered to a nearby retail store, P.O. box or friend’s house. Make sure family members know notto send presents whenyoure not home. 2.Sign up for tracking numbers, package notifications and delivery signatures. Tracking numbersandtext message or e-mail delivery notifications can help you stay up-to-date on when your packageswill arrive so you'll know if something has happened to them. Similarly, opting to require signatures on your packageswill ensure that pack- Protect your presents with a few extra precautions at holiday time. ages aren't delivered unless someoneis home. 3. Set holiday lights on a timer. If you're heading out for a long night of holiday parties, protect your home from possible invasion by creating the appearance that someoneisstill there. Have yourholiday lights on a timer and keep a TV on in yourliving room. If your family isn’t keen on holiday decorations, consider putting lamps near windowsontimersinstead. 4. Put a video security system on your holiday wish list. Video security systemsare the best option for defending your home while you're away or even inside. Ask your friends and family to considergifting youthelatest system, but be sure to suggest one with a corresponding mobile app. 5.Do not place empty boxes or packaging on the curb or outside your home.This is an unknowing way of advertising to thieves that you have a new computer, television or gaming station in your home. Always destroy your boxes and place in a garbage bag for pickup. If you're interested in taking the next step to learn more about a crimi- nal justice degree, University of Phoenix offers degrees andcertificates that focus on security, public administration and criminal justice that teach the necessary hard andsoft skills to pursue a career in criminal justice. Students learn how to makea difference in their communities, protect people and contribute to improving society.
