City FAQs focus on the holiday season

[December 21, 2011]  This month three city departments submitted December FAQs for publication in Lincoln Daily News. All three have topics centering on the holiday season.

From the Lincoln Police Department; Chief Ken Greenslate

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Topic: Holiday Crime Prevention Tips

Question: What can I do to have a safer Christmas?

Answer: When shopping, always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of a store.

Don't talk or text on a cell phone when walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.

Don't electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the car and waiting to strike when you least expect it.

If you are ready to leave a store and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot by your self, stay in the store and request a security escort.

Do not open your car door to anyone in a parking lot. If you believe you are in danger, call 911 immediately.

Do not flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewelry or clothing. Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put your wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.

Do not fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door. ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a few moments.

Do not leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, GPS, purses, clothing, or gifts - in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way.

Do leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places. If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars can be tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.

Do carry only the credit cards you intend to use and leave the others behind. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or debit cards when possible.

Do use ATM's wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use only ATM's in high traffic areas.

Do not announce recently acquired gifts such as TV's or other electronics by leaving boxes on the street for pickup. Turn the boxes inside out and crush or fold those boxes to avoid letting burglars know what Santa got you for Christmas.

Have a safe and Merry Christmas!
From the city of Lincoln Police Department

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From the Lincoln Fire Department; Chief Mark Miller

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Topic: Holiday Decorations and Safety

Question: What safety precautions should be taken with holiday decorations?

Answer: Switch from incandescent lights -- which can be a major fire hazard if not installed, maintained and monitored carefully -- to LED lights which are energy-efficient and cooler to the touch.

Indoors or outdoors, use only lights that have been UL-tested for safety. If the box doesn't mention outdoor use, don't use them outdoors.

Untangle cords, replace burned-out or missing bulbs, and check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out any damaged sets.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use. Make sure extension cords aren't trip hazards.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores) or use clips to attach lights. Avoid driving nails into cords or attaching cords with staples, which can damage the lighting strands.

Always use caution with ladders and lights around overhead power sources

Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Consider installing timers or power stakes with timers and remote controls.

Position and hang outdoor lights during the day.

Don't install electrical items while it's raining or snowing.

Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI's).

Other safety tips

• Keep a list of emergency numbers handy: Your family doctor and the Poison Help Line - [phone]

• Keep any fresh trees well-watered and don't leave live trees up for more than two weeks.

• Make sure you have enough working smoke alarms, clean and equipped with fresh batteries.

• Make sure family members and visitors are familiar with home escape plans in the event of a fire.

• When you're visiting, remember homes may not be child-proofed so keep a careful eye on little ones.

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From the Lincoln Street and Alley Department; Superintendent Tracy Jackson

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Topic: Holiday Greenery

Question: How can I dispose of my holiday greenery?

Answer: The City landfill (located on Broadwell Drive) will accept all live Christmas Trees and all live greenery if that greenery has no wires or decorations.

The City landfill hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. The landfill will be closed Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year's Eve, Dec.31. It will be back to regular hours (Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.) starting January 4, 2012.

The Street Department will be canvassing the City for Christmas trees and greenery that is free of wires, decorations, and not bagged starting January 3, 2012

• Wards 1 and 2 -- January 3

• Wards 3 and 4 -- January 4^th

• Ward 5 -- January 5th.

On January 6th the Street Department will canvass the whole city for anything that might have been missed.

[Text copied from files received from the city of Lincoln]