Christmas and the coming of the new year can be a busy time for some and many residents will be taking some time during the holidays to visit family a friends.
The Drumheller RCMP shared a few tips to help keep everyone safe during the holidays.
For those leaving for the holidays, there are few simple ways to help keep your house safe.
“If you’re leaving, have someone look after your house and keep the appearance it’s being lived in,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins. “If you’re not leaving, help your neighbours out and do the same for them. Clean their sidewalks and check on their house.”
To give your house the appearance it’s being lived in, arrange to have a friend or neighbour shovel your walks, leave lights on, and arrange for someone to check up on your house periodically.
“There are lots of things that criminals look at when they are driving through neighbourhoods,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins. “You want someone to check on your house to make sure it’s secure and anything hasn’t gone wrong.”
There are also precautions anyone travelling during the holidays should take as well.
“If travelling, keep a bag of warm survival stuff in your car, because you never know when you’re car will break down,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins. “In the event your vehicle breaks down, you should have enough to keep you safe until help arrives.”
Travellers should pack a warm blanket and winter clothing, and give an estimated time of arrival at your destination.
During the holidays, the RCMP will be out doing random check stops, especially on Christmas and New Years Eve. The penalties for driving impaired in Alberta come into effect at 0.5 blood alcohol content.
“You’ll always see an increase in check stops. There is an increase in the number of members working and we’ll have check stops set up all over,” said Staff Sergeant Hopkins. “Don’t drink and drive, be safe, think of others using the road, don’t drive tired, and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”