Keep Safety at the Top of Your Holiday List, Fire and Police Chiefs Say, Offering Tips

Standing in front of a Hastings Ranch home decked out in cheerful Christmas decorations, the Chiefs of both the Pasadena Fire Department and Police Department Tuesday reminded residents that although this time of the year is festive, it’s never time to forget safety.

“Despite some of the holiday cheer, the truth is that there are predators in our community that try to prey on good residents and folks who live, visit or work in Pasadena on a daily basis,” said Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez.

Shopping both online and in stores are in full swing this time of year and leaves many at risk of being a crime statistic., Sanchez said.

The Pasadena Police Department shared a list of tips that will help keep you and your family safe.

• Stay completely aware of your surroundings when out shopping.
• Don’t leave packages in plain view in your car.
• If coordinating a purchase in person from an online site, such a Craigslist, be sure to meet in public place.
• Be mindful of packages that are left on porch.
• If you see something, say something.

The Pasadena Police Department will be working closely with CAPPS, or Citizens Assisting Pasadena Police, who are unarmed, volunteers with the Pasadena Police Department.

“They are the eyes and ears of the Pasadena Police Department and they work diligently to help safeguard our community,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez also mentioned that cases of cyber theft are on the rise this year and to be mindful of how and where you purchase items online.

“The see something, say something strategy has worked very progressively for the last several years,” said Sanchez.

If you see something suspicious, call the Police Department at 626-744-4241 or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.

The second part of holiday safety concerns everyone’s home and the Pasadena Fire Department is here to bring the public up to speed on common, and avoidable, home hazards.

“Decorating homes and businesses is a longstanding tradition during the holidays. Unfortunately, too often these decorations increase the chance of fire or injury,” said Pasadena Fire Department Chief Bertral Washington.

• Water your tree and make sure the water level does not go below the bottom of the tree.
• Place tree in a safe place away from fireplaces, candles and other heat sources.
• Maintain holiday lights in a safe fashion. Inspect lights and check for frayed wires, gaps in insulation, secure plugs, and only use lighting that is approved by a testing laboratory that is indicated by a “UL” seal on the packaging.
• Use non-flammable decorations.
• Use space heaters with caution.
• Purchase age appropriate toys.
• Avoid gifts with small parts that can serve as a choking hazard to young children and pets.
• Replace smoke detectors with fresh batteries and practice family evacuation plan.
• Have a fire extinguisher readily available.

“You also want to make sure that you keep the tree up no longer than two weeks after Christmas,” said Washington who mentioned that dry trees ignite easily and have a strong history of starting fires in homes.

LED lights are recommended for both indoor and outdoor use due to be the most shatterproof, shock resistant, energy efficient and produce almost no heat—making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire, according to Washington.

For questions or concerns call the Pasadena Fire Department at (626) 744-4241 or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.