It’s important that you avoid letting people know that you are not at home. Do not post on social networks that you will be taking a vacation. Have a trusted friend or relative pick up your mail or – better yet – ask the post office to hold your mail. Depending on where you live, you may see snow fall. That means you will have to get someone to shovel your snow and sidewalk while you are away from home. You could ask a friend or neighbour to do it, or you could hire someone.

Motion-activated lights and lights that are on timers are another great way to make your home look occupied when it is actually not. You can put other devices, such as televisions or audio players, on timers as well if you’d like.

If you want to keep an eye on your home while you’re away, security cameras are the perfect tool. You can even find surveillance cameras that can be monitored over the Internet. That means you will be able to see what is going on insider your house from anywhere with an Internet connection. You can even watch your home via your smart phone!

You’ll also want to make sure that you properly activate your security system. Make sure that everything is working properly in regards to your alarm system before you head out on vacation. If there are any problems, contact your alarm system provider as soon as you can.

Some businesses shut down for a while during the holiday season. If you’re planning on keeping your doors closed for a few days, you will want to ensure that your business is safe while you are away.

Consider hiring a security guard service to watch over your company during the closure. You may be interested in a mobile patrol unit that periodically stops by your business to check for any suspicious activity. These security guards ensure that all parking areas, entrances and buildings are secure and immediately contact authorities if there is an issue.

That means you’ll have to focus some of your attention at keeping yourself and your belongings safe when you hit the mall this holiday season.

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When you arrive at the mall, make sure to park in a well-lit and visible area. Always make sure that you lock the doors to your car and that you hide all valuables. This is true even if you’re only planning on staying in the mall for a few minutes. If possible, shop before dark or visit the mall with a friend or relative. If you see anyone suspicious in the parking lot, stay away from them and alert security of anyone who may be a threat.

Inside the mall, make sure that you keep all personal belongings close by. Keep your money and other valuables in a bag that hangs close to your body, not one that dangles from a long strap. Keep your wallet in your front pants pocket if at all possible. If you’re carrying shopping bags, try to consolidate your items into a few bags. This will make them easier to handle and you’ll be less likely to misplace anything or have difficultly walking. If you end up making more purchases than you can carry comfortably, ask the store if they can keep some items on hold for you until you return.

Try not to bring too much cash or too many valuables with you if at all possible. Only carry what you need. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will also make your shopping trip more effective.

Stay alert at all times. Many criminals use distractions to swipe your belongings or your money. Sometimes they’ll wait for you to be preoccupied with another activity and sometimes they’ll create the distraction themselves. Don’t get caught up in a distraction and forget to look out for your things.

If you are shopping with children, make sure that they are supervised at all times. Ensure that your children do not talk to strangers and do not leave them alone while you run errands. Make sure that your children know exactly what to do should they become separated from you. Children should know how to get to the mall security area and they should be able to identify police and security guards easily. If your child has a cell phone, make sure he or she knows how to use it.

When you return to your car, keep your eyes peeled. Have your car keys out before you leave the mall so that you do not have to fumble around for them outside. Again, if you see anyone suspicious, stay away. Contact security to help you if necessary.

This includes falls, cuts, shocks and other injuries that often require a trip to a hospital emergency room. You don’t want to spend the holidays in a hospital bed or in pain, so use caution.

If you’re setting up a Christmas tree, make sure that you keep it away from heat sources, radiators, fireplaces and heaters. When choosing a live tree, make sure that it is fresh and green. If you’re going with an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as "fire resistent."

When hanging up lighting, either inside or outside, only use lights that have been tested and certified by a testing laboratory, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). These lights meet certain safety standards. Always check your lights for frayed cords or other damage before hanging them up. If your lights are damaged, replace them. Check that all outdoor lights are specifically marked as "Outdoor lights" and do not use lights outside that are not. Also, make sure not to overload extension cords or outlets. This can be a huge fire hazard.

If you are using candles as part of your holiday decorations, be sure to place them in a safe area and away from flammable material. Never leave candles unattended and be sure to place them out of reach of children.

Be sure that your vehicle is in good condition before the winter weather arrives. You may wish to perform a full maintenance check-up on your car. Make sure that your battery, tires, ignition system, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, exhaust system and all belts and hoses are in good condition before the worse of the season strikes.

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You should strongly consider placing snow tires on your vehicle during the winter. While "all-season" tires may be good enough in some situations, winter tires provide additional traction on snowy or icy roads. Having snow tires on your car will make steering, braking and handling your vehicle easier and safer. Installing winter tires on all four wheels is your best option. Never mix tires of different sizes, tread or construction.

Clear all snow and ice off of your entire vehicle before you start driving. This includes your windows, mirrors, lights and the roof of your vehicle. Wait for all of the fog to clear from your windows before you start driving. Never drive while your vision is obstructed.

Check weather and traffic conditions before you head out on the road. If heavy snow, freezing rain, poor visibility or icy conditions are expected, consider not driving. If you cannot avoid the drive, be sure to always drive to the conditions. Stay on major roads whenever possible and keep an eye out for other vehicles. Make sure that you have enough fuel before heading out.

Pack a winter survival kit for your vehicle. The Canadian Automobile Association recommends that you keep the following items in your trunk:

• A shovel
• Sand or kitty litter
• Traction mats
• Tow chain
• A compass
• Cloth or paper towel
• Warning light or road flares
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Emergency food
• Booster cables
• Matches and a "survival" candle in a deep can
• Fire extinguisher
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Fuel line antifreeze
• Reflective vest

You should also keep road maps, a cellular phone, an ice scraper and brush, a flashlight, a first aid kit and a blanket inside your car in case of emergency.

Use the 2011 City Crime Report to:

• Determine exactly where crime is happening in Canada
• Examine the types of crime taking place in your region and across the country
• Compare different areas of the country on several different types of crime
• Recognize the severity and likelihood of crime taking place in your city
• Understand the overall crime situation in this country

Crime statistics vary drastically across the country and only by knowing the information for your region can you properly protect yourself, your family and your possessions.

To receive a free copy of SafeTech Alarm Systems’ Canadian City Crime Report 2011, please click here.

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