Holiday Security Etiquette: Staying Safe During the Festive Season

The holiday season is here! It is a time to relax, travel, and spend quality moments with family and friends. Across Kenya, from the serene coastal beaches to bustling urban centers and rural areas, people are gearing up for celebrations. However, this period also comes with increased security risks. Theft, burglary, and cyber scams tend to spike during the festive season, making it essential to prioritize safety while enjoying the festivities.

In this blog post, we outline practical holiday security etiquette to ensure that you, your loved ones, and your property remain safe and secure as you celebrate this joyous season.

1. Secure Your Home Before Traveling

If you are planning to travel upcountry or to other holiday destinations, securing your home is of utmost importance. Criminals often target vacant homes during the holidays, knowing that families are likely away.

Tips to secure your home:

• Lock all doors and windows: Ensure every entry point to your house is locked and reinforced with sturdy locks.
• Inform trusted neighbors or friends: Notify a neighbor or trusted friend that you will be away so they can keep an eye on your property.
• Install security systems: Consider installing a home alarm system or surveillance cameras (CCTV). Many modern systems can be monitored remotely via mobile applications.
• Avoid oversharing travel plans on social media: Announcing your travel plans publicly may attract unwanted attention.
• Keep the lights on: Use timers or smart lights to create the illusion that someone is home.

By taking these steps, you reduce the chances of your home becoming a target.

2. Travel Smart and Stay Vigilant

Traveling during the festive season is exciting but comes with its fair share of security challenges. Whether you’re flying to the Coast, taking a bus or matatu upcountry, or driving to a holiday destination, these tips can help you travel safely:

For public transport:

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash: Use mobile money or bank cards where possible to reduce the risk of theft.
• Keep an eye on your belongings: Always monitor your bags, phones, and other valuables.
• Travel during the day: Traveling in daylight reduces the risk of encountering criminals.
• Choose reputable transport services: Use trusted travel companies with good security records.

For private car travel:

• Service your car beforehand: Ensure your car is in good condition to avoid breakdowns in isolated areas.
• Lock your car doors: Always keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, especially in traffic or at stoplights.
• Avoid night travel: Road security is often compromised at night, and accidents are more common.
• Be cautious of carjackers: Be vigilant at all times, especially in remote areas or when stopped on highways.

When flying, keep your luggage secure, check in on time, and avoid leaving your bags unattended at the airport.

3. Be Alert in Crowded Places

Festive events, markets, and shopping malls tend to get overcrowded. Pickpockets and petty criminals take advantage of such environments to strike unsuspecting individuals.

Safety tips for crowded areas:

• Carry minimal valuables: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, watches, or carrying large amounts of cash.
• Keep your phone close: Avoid exposing your phone unnecessarily, and secure it in a zipped pocket or bag.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Be observant of the people around you and avoid distractions, like being glued to your phone.
• Use crossbody bags: These are harder for snatchers to grab compared to backpacks or handbags.
• Shop during off-peak hours: Visiting malls or markets during less busy times reduces your exposure to security risks.

Remember to supervise children closely in crowded areas to prevent them from wandering off.

4. Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats

The digital world has brought convenience, but it has also created avenues for cybercrime, especially during the holidays. Online scams, fraudulent e-commerce sites, and phishing attacks are rampant during this time.

Cybersecurity tips:

• Shop from trusted websites: Verify that e-commerce sites are secure by checking for "https" in the URL.
• Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers: Scammers often use fake deals to lure unsuspecting shoppers.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Be cautious of links sent through email, SMS, or social media platforms.
• Use strong passwords: Use unique and strong passwords for your online accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
• Monitor your bank transactions: Regularly review your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.

If you receive unsolicited messages asking for your personal details or payment information, verify the source before taking any action.

5. Stay Safe During Social Gatherings

Holiday parties and family gatherings are an integral part of the festive season. However, it is important to balance enjoyment with security.

Social gathering etiquette:

• Avoid oversharing personal information: Be cautious about discussing your travel plans, finances, or home situation with strangers.
• Drink responsibly: Excessive drinking can impair judgment and make you vulnerable to theft or harm.
• Arrange safe transportation: If you are attending a party, ensure you have a reliable means of getting home. Avoid walking alone at night.
• Be cautious of food and drinks: Always monitor your drink and food to prevent any tampering.
• Park in secure areas: When attending gatherings, park in well-lit, secure locations.

By being cautious, you can enjoy holiday parties without compromising your safety.

6. Secure Your Mobile Money and Bank Transactions

Kenya’s reliance on mobile money services like M-Pesa increases during the festive season. Scammers often exploit this by creating fake emergencies or sending phishing messages to trick you into sending money.

Tips for safe mobile money usage:

• Verify before sending money: Always confirm the recipient’s details before completing a transaction.
• Avoid sharing your PIN: Never disclose your PIN to anyone, no matter the circumstances.
• Beware of scam calls and messages: If you receive suspicious calls claiming to be from mobile providers or banks, do not share personal information.
• Activate transaction notifications: Enable SMS or email alerts for all transactions to monitor your account in real-time.

Additionally, avoid conducting mobile money transactions in crowded or public areas where someone could watch your details.

7. Protect Your Valuables While Traveling

Whether you’re at the beach, in a hotel, or on a safari, securing your valuables is essential to avoid loss.

Tips to protect your valuables:

• Use hotel safes: Keep important items like passports, extra cash, and jewelry locked away.
• Carry only what you need: Avoid taking unnecessary valuables when going out.
• Be cautious at the beach: Keep an eye on your belongings while enjoying the ocean, and avoid leaving items unattended.
• Invest in anti-theft bags: Use bags with secure zips or locks to make it harder for thieves to access your belongings.
• Separate your cash: Do not keep all your money in one place; distribute it across different pockets or bags.

By being proactive, you can minimize the risk of losing your valuables during holiday activities.

8. Teach Children Basic Safety Rules

Children are often the most vulnerable during the holidays. Whether in crowded areas, on the road, or at home, it’s important to teach them simple safety measures:

• Memorize phone numbers: Ensure your children know at least one trusted phone number they can call in an emergency.
• Avoid talking to strangers: Teach children to avoid interacting with strangers or accepting gifts without parental supervision.
• Stay close to family: In crowded areas, instruct children to stay close to you at all times.
• Identify safe locations: Show them where they can seek help, such as a security desk or police officer, if they get lost.

Empowering children with these tips enhances their safety during the festive season.

9. Avoid Fraudulent Holiday Investments and Deals

Many Kenyans are enticed by holiday deals, loans, or quick-money schemes during the festive season. While some opportunities may be legitimate, others are scams designed to exploit the festive rush.

Tips to avoid fraudulent deals:

• Verify companies or individuals: Conduct due diligence before committing money to any investment or deal.
• Be wary of urgency: Scammers often pressure people to act quickly, claiming limited offers.
• Stick to trusted financial institutions: Avoid deals from unregulated lenders or unknown entities.
• Read the fine print: Understand terms and conditions for loans, discounts, or purchases.

If something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

10. Celebrate Responsibly and Prioritize Safety

Lastly, as you celebrate the holidays, remember that security starts with being responsible.

• Avoid reckless behavior: Celebrations should not put you or others in danger.
• Look out for others: Keep an eye on your friends, family, and neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable individuals.
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice anything unusual, report it to security personnel, local authorities, or neighborhood watch groups.

Conclusion

The festive season is a time of joy, love, and celebration, but safety should always come first. By practicing these holiday security etiquette tips, you can protect yourself, your family, and your property as you enjoy the holidays.

From securing your home and traveling smart to staying cyber-safe and avoiding scams, these measures are essential for a worry-free festive season. Let’s prioritize safety and celebrate responsibly so that we all step into the new year with cherished memories and peace of mind.

Happy holidays from BM Security and stay safe!