The holiday season has arrived here in Hoboken. Many are already making holiday plans — from booking that last-minute trip to see a loved one or making a reservation at a local restaurant. It is the most wonderful time of the year but to ensure it continues to be a festive time for all it’s important to keep some tips in mind. The Hoboken Public Safety Department has released some advice and tips relating to the upcoming holiday festivities. Read on to learn more about how to have a safe holiday season in Hoboken with health and safety tips.
Package Theft
As residents look for gifts to get loved ones, during the holidays, package theft becomes a high-risk safety issue. With packages being left on residents’ doorsteps by delivery providers — it opens an opportunity for porch pirates to take them. The Hoboken Police Department works to ensure these crimes are taken seriously and that consequences are presented for those involved. Here are some tips that the department recommends so residents don’t fall victim to this crime:
- Never let in a stranger to your residence.
- Set up notifications to track packages.
- Wait for the garage door or gates to close, to make sure no one sneaks in.
- Ask neighbors to grab packages if not home.
- When traveling, don’t post about it on social media.
- Place gifts and packages in a non-visible location.
- Report any stolen packages and/or holiday decorations.
Read More: Where to Bring Visitors for the Holidays in the Hudson County Area
Home Safety
Besides package theft, fires are often a high-risk issue during the holidays. A natural Christmas tree is a beautiful addition to the season but can become a fire risk if not properly hydrated. There are other at-home tips to keep in mind when setting up holiday decorations or when celebrating at home. The Hoboken Fire Department shared tips that could be helpful during the season:
- Inspect electric lights before using — ensure wires are not damaged or frayed.
- Opt for battery-operated candles, as it is a more safe option. If using real candles, never leave the candles unattended.
- Keep wrapping paper and other flammable materials away from the fireplace and space heaters.
- Follow kitchen safety tips and never leave stovetops unattended.
Food + Home Safety
During the holidays, practicing health safety tips are important to keep family away from the emergency room. Issues like food poisoning and food allergies are common ones to arise. The Hoboken EMS and Volunteer Ambulance Corps shared recommendations for families to follow:
- Refrigerate food leftovers properly.
- Wash surfaces touched by raw poultry and meats.
- If using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, have an extra person to be a spotter to avoid falls.
- Keep small toys and parts away from children to avoid choking hazards.
- Be cautious when using knives in the kitchen.
Also, if planning to travel far this year, The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recommends turning off the water supply to prevent water damage and high-cost repairs. With the weather getting colder, homes should remain heated to avoid pipes from freezing due to the temperatures.
See More: Holiday Volunteering Opportunities 2023 in New Jersey
Using these tips can help Hoboken residents in keeping a safe, healthy holiday season. The holidays are a joyful time of the year but keeping these tips in mind will ensure it will be a stress-free time for all. To stay in the know of all the local happenings, be sure to follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok.
