Law enforcement agencies offer holiday safety tips
By ANGIE JOHANNSEN, News-Tribune Editor
Local law officers are spreading more than holiday cheer this year, they're also passing out tips on how to protect your home from unwanted guests and traveling safely.
“If people leave for the holidays, they need to take some steps to help protect their property,” says Britt Police Officer Doug Eagan.
“With the economy the way it is, it's bad, but crime is probably going to rise.”
Eagan says one of the easiest things to do when leaving your home empty, whether for a weekend trek to grandma's house or a long break over Christmas, is to find someone trustworthy to keep an eye on your home.
Have your helper drive by once or twice a day, do a walk through your home, turn lights on and off at different times, or park their car in your driveway. All these things will help your home look like it's occupied.
“People should always lock their doors in general, too, whether they are leaving town or not,” Eagan said.
Hancock County Sheriff Scott Dodd says neighbors can help one another out by watching for any unusual activity around a home.
“We have seen some rural burglaries in North Central Iowa, so people need to be aware,” Dodd said.
Dodd and officers from law enforcement agencies across a nine-county area met Tuesday to discuss the recent spate of thefts.
“We're asking people, especially farm families, that if they see something, to not hesitate to call us,” Dodd said. “That's what we need; those tips help us.”
Dodd also had warnings for drivers hitting the road during one of the busiest travel times of the year.
Seatbelts first, he says. He also has sage advice for drivers making long trips during the holidays.
“Make frequent stops,” Dodd said.
Winter driving can present a number of challenges to drivers and their vehicles.
It only takes a minute to become involved in an accident which could leave consequences for a lifetime.
Even with good coolant, snow tires, stability control, and all-wheel drive, keep in mind that driving in snow, sleet, and ice is very treacherous. And even if you maintain control of your car, not everyone else will. So don't ever get lulled into a false sense of security. Do everything slowly and gently. Remember, in the snow, the tires are always just barely grabbing the road. Accelerate slowly and gently, turn slowly and gently, and brake slowly and gently
Iowa/Minnesota AAA also offers several tips for winter driving.
The leading cause of death during a winter storm is driving accidents, so the best way to stay safe is to stay home. However, if you must travel, several easy steps can be the difference between life and death.
Buckle your seat belt.
Allow enough time. Trips can take longer during winter. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
Slow down. A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow or ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridges and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not.
Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. and watch for other vehicles and for snow removal equipment.
Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice is to not drive when you are fatigued, or to make sure you take enough breaks while driving to prevent fatigue from setting in.
Dodd says getting out of your vehicle while traveling is the easiest way to do this.
“Stretch, get out,” he said. “When driving on long trips especially, make sure you pull over and rest if you need to.”
Story created Dec 02, 2008 - 13:35:26 CST.
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