By: Thomas Culver
Staff Writer

When you shop this holiday season, whether locally or online, there are some important safety tips you should consider. Here we look at ways to protect yourself, with information about safe online shopping, shopping for kids, and staying safe going to and from your local stores.

Local Shopping

• Park in well-lit areas, as close to busy entrances as possible.
• Don’t park next to dumpsters or anything that can conceal you from observation.
• Before leaving your car, look around for anything unusual or suspicious. If you notice anything suspicious, drive away and notify police.
• Walk in a brisk and confident manner, constantly looking around. If you notice someone, don’t look away. Look at the person and notice what they are wearing. The fact that you noticed them may deter them for attempting to commit a crime against you. Also walk facing traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.
• When shopping, don’t leave valuables visible inside your vehicle. Radios, cameras, pocketbooks and packages attract attention and tempt thieves. Secure your valuables in the trunk if you need to leave them in the vehicle.
• Always lock your car, even if you’re leaving it for only a short period of time (even if you’re parked at home). And make sure all windows are completely closed.
• While shopping, keep your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Stay alert, pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of anyone around you. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Shop with a friend or relative when possible.
• Don’t flaunt expensive items or jewelry.
• Conceal your credit card numbers from spying eyes. After receiving your credit card or ATM receipt, secure it in your purse or checkbook.
• When returning to your car, don’t get loaded down with packages. Have your keys in your hand ready to use. If you are returning alone, wait until someone else is leaving and walk out the same time as they do.
• Before entering your car, check inside, under and around to make sure no one is hiding. Once you’re inside your car, lock the doors immediately.
• If you are followed, don’t go home. Drive to a well-lit area around other people, such as a gas station or convenience store. There you can attract attention by screaming or blowing the horn.
• If you are attacked, keep a level head. Your survival could depend on what you do. If you are hysterical, you won’t be able to help yourself. If you choose to use physical force, strike quickly and run away.
• When leaving your home, be sure you pull the door shut and lock the deadbolt along with making sure the windows are locked. If you will not return before darkness falls, leave a light on.
• When traveling, always have a planned route and be aware of your location. Inform a family member or friend of your plans and do not drive when fatigued.
• Make sure your vehicle is prepared for traveling and check the weather conditions where you will be traveling and be prepared for those conditions as well.

Online Shopping

• Know who you're dealing with. If you are unsure, look for the 'Contact Us' page, which should list the physical address and telephone number for the merchant.
• When shopping at eBay!, Amazon.com auctions, or other online auction sites, be sure to check the seller's 'reputation'. The comments are posted by others who have purchased from the seller, and can give you a good idea of how issues such as returns and refunds are handled by the seller.
• Protect your privacy.
• While online order only on a secure server. Look for the lock sysbol at checkout, which indicates that SSL Encryption is being used.
• Guard your online passwords. Also choose passwors that are difficult to guess. Stay away from birthdates, pet's children's names, and dictionary words that may be easy to guess. Best practive is to use a combination of letters and numerals, eight characters long.
• Pay the safest way. Many credit card providers can give you a 'Virtual' account number to use for online shoping. Check your credit card providers web site for more information.
• Check the refund and return policy.
• Read the fine print.
• Check delivery dates.
• Review warranties.
• Compare prices. Services such as NexTag.com allow you to automatically compare prices at multiple online stores.
• Check shipping and handling fees. Excessive fees can negate the savings of online purchases.
• Order early to allow plenty of time for shipment and delivery.
• Track your purchases.
• Keep receipts & website printouts.
• Get more information about safe online shopping at www.safeshopping.org and www.bbbonline.org/OnlineShopTips.
  

Choosing Safe Toys

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
• For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
• Look for sturdy construction on plush toys, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.
• Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age 8.
• Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
• Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
• Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.
• Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become deadly playthings. Plastic wrappings can cause suffocation.
• Check recalls. Go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's web sites at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html or www.recalls.gov.

Sources: Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Federal Trade Commission, Tucson Fire Department, Consumer Product Safety Commission