More troopers will be out working this holiday season and they have one main request: Help them keep you safe this Christmas.
With more vehicles on the roadways, potentially slippery conditions and an increased risk of intoxicated drivers, Washington State Patrol Trooper Will Finn said there are simple steps everyone can take to make sure no one is injured or worse.
“Always get a designated driver,” he said. “Make a conscious decision to have a plan in place.”
Other driving hazards can be avoided by planning ahead and by giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, troopers said. Speed limits are for ideal conditions, so during storms, troopers ask that motorists reduce speed, increase following distance and use headlights.
Other emergency personnel will also be working throughout the holidays and they, too, hope they don’t have to respond to a tragedy.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office asked those with Christmas trees to keep them well watered and at least 3 feet away from heat sources. They also ask that people use nonflammable decorations and to be careful not to overload electrical outlets.
To prevent residents from falling victim to theft, police are hoping shoppers stay extra vigilant when doing their Christmas shopping.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle while shopping since the season brings with it an uptick in thefts, Vancouver Police Department spokeswoman Kim Kapp said.
To help combat this, Neighbors on Watch volunteers patrol the mall and use the Skywatch tower to look over the cars in the parking lot, Kapp said.
“They’re there to keep an extra set of eyes out,” she said.
Both the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office also offer up their facility parking lots as Safe Exchange Zones for residents looking to purchase presents from other people through sites such as Craigslist.
In general, police ask that residents stay vigilant in public places and at home to protect themselves and neighbors.
“Thieves follow UPS and FedEx trucks,” Kapp said. “We’re hoping for a boosted neighborhood watch. If you know a neighbor is traveling, call police if you see lights on.”
Emily Gillespie: 360-735-4522; twitter.com/col_cops; emily.gillespie@columbian.com
