Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Safety Banner

Fire SafetyOutlet with Many Plug-Ins & Extension Cords

During Christmas, a lot of lights are used to decorate our trees, houses, etc., and most of the time there are not enough electrical outlets to plug the lights into or the outlets are too far away. This is when we use extension cords. These cords are only to be used as temporary wiring while the electrical appliance is being used and should be unplugged when finished.

In the case of Christmas lights, we should only use cords that are in good condition and not run them under rugs or cover the cords. Never plug two cords together! Instead, get a single cord that is the correct length. Also, do not plug too many lights in together (see picture on right), look at the box the lights came in to see how many strands can be safely plugged in together, and always unplug lights before leaving home.

Live Christmas Tree

  • Keep plenty of water in the stand, never let the stand get empty.
  • Check the lights before you put them on the tree. Make sure that they are in good shape with no frayed wire or missing insulation and the plug has fuse protection.
  • If you have to use an extension cord make sure it is the correct size.
  • Do not use the small 6ft "Household" cords. Use a heavier extension cord or a power strip with a circuit breaker.
  • Keep all open flames away from trees. Live trees are extremely flammable.
  • If you burn candles, put them in a holder that will support the candle at the base to keep it from falling over. Always extinguish candles when they can't be attended.

Fried Turkey

If your holiday plans call for frying a turkey, here are some tips to make the occasion a safe and enjoyable one:Fire Being Extinguished by Firefighter

  • Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
  • Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage or enclosed space.
  • Do not overfill the fryer.
  • Never leave the fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
  • Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours.
  • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.
  • Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers nearby.
  • If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately!

For more information on Holiday fire safety, contact Havelock Fire and Rescue at 252-444-6443.

Police Safety

The holiday season is here and all across the country law enforcement agencies always see an increase in the number of reported break-ins and theft cases. The Havelock Police Department would like to remind everyone of some basic safety tips for the holiday season. These basic safety tips can also be applied year-round. Read the Havelock Police Holiday Safety Letter (PDF) for more information.

Auto Break-in Prevention

The Havelock Police Department suggests that you always lock your vehicle and do not leave items of value in sight. Should you find that you are a victim of an auto break-in, do not enter the vehicle, as you may destroy physical evidence left by the suspect. Call the police as soon as possible.

If you observe an auto break-in, do not confront the suspect(s). Instead, call the Havelock Police Department and provide as much information as possible about the suspect(s). Also, if you have any information regarding unsolved auto break-ins please contact us at 252-447-3212 or by anonymous tips using the Havelock PD Anonymous Crime Tips form online.

Tips to prevent an auto break-in:

  • Lock your doors
  • Do not leave items that may seem of value to others even if not to you
    • Backpacks
    • Briefcases
    • Computer bags (even if no computer inside)
    • Gym bag
  • Do not leave valuables in your vehicle where they can be seen
    • Cell phones
    • GPS
    • IPods/MP3 players
    • Jewelry/Keys/Mail
    • Laptops
    • Loose change
    • Purses
    • Wallets
  • Do not store valuables in your vehicle longer than necessary, especially overnight
  • If you have to leave valuables in your vehicle
    • Conceal valuables PRIOR to arriving at your destination
    • Lock them in your trunk
  • Leave no trace that there might be valuables in your vehicle
    • CDs
    • Cell phone chargers
    • GPS docking station
  • Try to park in well-lit areas

Crime can occur because of opportunity. Please help us reduce the amount of opportunity criminals have to commit crimes:

  • Lock and secure all windows and doors in your home/business and vehicle (s). Do not leave valuables in your car, take them inside or lock them out of view (firearms, electronics, gifts, purse/wallet, phones, laptops etc ).
  • Ladies, when shopping in a store and pushing a shopping cart, do not walk away from the cart and leave your purse/wallet unattended. Be mindful of your personal belongings and zip the purse closed at all times
  • Upon purchasing electronics or firearms, please record make/model/serial number, or, take pictures of the serial number and secure those numbers or photographs in a safe place. Should you become the victim of a crime these numbers or photographs can assist law enforcement in identifying your property.
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is…Be cautious of any correspondence ( text, email, letter, even a phone call ) that states you have won a lottery or any monetary/item prize that requires you to send money prior to receiving your prize. 100% of these are fraud. If you have any concerns about this type of correspondence, contact a family member for advice, research it on the internet, or contact your local law enforcement agency
  • If you live within the city limits of Havelock and you plan on leaving town for vacation, please contact us about completing a residential check form. This form once filled out, informs us you are leaving and a police officer will stop by your residence at various times to check that all doors and windows are secure while you are gone.
  • The Havelock Police Department has a Safe Exchange Zone in the parking lot. This area is under video surveillance 24 hours a day and can be used by the public as a safe place to meet up and exchange goods sold or purchased on the internet.

Please, contact Havelock PD at 447-3212 for more details.

If you have any information about any type of crime that has already occurred please contact your local law enforcement agency or the Craven County Crime Stoppers tip line at 252-633-5141.