From staff reports
The Jefferson County Health Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office have passed along several safety tips for holiday travellers, shoppers and cooks for this holiday season. The sheriff’s office released a detailed list on how to better prepare for the season with driving tips, along with shopping tips.
For Thanksgiving cooks, the health department produced a list of ways to keep guests and cooks from contaminating food, and keeping everyone healthy during the Thanksgiving holidays.
Listed below are several tips from professionals:
Driving:
- Avoid driving alone or at night.
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
- Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
- Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM):
- If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location.
- Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
- Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
- Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Shopping:
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Always carry your Alabama Driver’s License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
Children:
- If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
- Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
- Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
Food:
- Keep raw meats separate from other foods, especially fruit and vegetables in your shopping cart and grocery bags. Raw meats that are wrapped for display often leak.
- Always wash hands before you begin to prepare food and after handling raw meats. Use warm water, soap and paper towels.
- Keep your kitchen and utensils clean. Wash cutting boards, knives and countertops that come into contact with raw meat.
- Don’t re-use wash cloths after wiping countertops, especially after cleaning up raw meat juice.
- Thaw meat in the refrigerator as frozen meat is easy to undercook.
Serving:
- Refrigerate, reheat, or throw away perishable food after 2 hours at room temperature. Keep track.
- Think small. Arrange and serve food on several small plates instead of one large one. Keep the rest of the food either hot or cold.
- Keep hot foods hot – above 140 degrees F. Use warming trays or pots, if possible.
- Keep cold foods cold – below 41 degrees F. Nest dishes in bowls of ice, if possible.
- Don’t serve raw eggs mixed into drinks or food.