Safer Communities

Winter Safety Advice

Sheffield Safer & Sustainable Communities Partnership brings you some winter advice to keep you safe.

Bogus callers - if in doubt keep them out

• Keep your doors locked at all times

• Never open your door to someone you are not expecting

• Never buy goods or services at your door, no matter how attractive the offer

• Always check the identity of officials you are expecting.

Keep a list of your utility companies, the police and local authority telephone numbers so you can check

• Never keep large amounts of money in your home, lock away

valuable and irreplaceable items

• If you need somebody to repair your property, ask a reputable

company to visit at an agreed time

Alcohol safety

• Pace your drinks and drink plenty of water

• Let people know where you are planning to go

• Plan your journey. Pre book an official, licensed taxi

• Keep your belongings safe, drunk people can be a target

• Don’t leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers

• Never walk through unlit areas on your own

• Never drink and drive, even small amounts can have an effect

• Don’t be over the limit the morning after the night before

Don’t make a gift of your presents

• Put gifts out at the very last minute, don’t advertise them to

opportunist thieves

• Dispose of gift packaging, don’t tell thieves what you’ve got

• Mark your property with a UV marker pen (available from your local police station) with your house number and postcode. This could help you get your possessions back if they are stolen

Protect your home

• Replace old door and window locks, security chains and door viewers

• Activate your house alarm if you’re going away. Tell key holders how you can be contacted in an emergency

• Leave some house lights on timers so it looks like someone’s home

• Cancel regular deliveries like newspapers and milk

• Ask a neighbour or a member of your Neighbourhood Watch to keep an eye on your home

Protect yourself

• Keep your belongings close to you rather than in a back pocket or open handbag

• Don’t carry too much cash

• Keep your cheque book and cards separate

Vehicle safety

• Lock car doors and windows when leaving your car for short times

• Don’t leave shopping on display in your car; even items of no value may be valuable to a thief

• Don’t leave the engine running whilst you scrape off ice and snow

• Remove your Sat nav, take it with you

• Park in well lit and secure car parks ideally with the blue and white Park Mark; their security standards have been assessed by the police

Accidents around the home

Christmas is a time when accidents can easily happen. With a little care and planning, most accidents can be avoided.

• Look out for small items that could be choking hazards

• Buy plenty of batteries; don’t take them out of smoke alarms

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and test it every week

• Keep decorations and cards away from fires, candles, lights and heaters

• Ensure you switch off Christmas tree lights when you’re not in your home or if you’re going to bed. Check that they conform to the British Standard (BS EN 60598)

• Never leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking if you are drunk

• Unplug your electric blanket before you get into bed

• Don’t overload sockets, use only one plug per socket and unplug them before you go to bed or leave home

• Never tackle a fire in your home. Get out, stay out and call 999

• If you are planning a New Year’s Eve firework party, follow the firework code