Maricopa Police and Fire Share Crucial Holiday Safety Tips

As the holiday season approaches, Maricopa’s Police Chief Mark Goodman and Fire Chief Brad Pitassi have issued important safety tips for residents. With Thanksgiving and the festive days ahead, many will be busy hosting gatherings, shopping for gifts, and traveling.

Chief Pitassi noted that the holidays often lead to an increase in cooking, making kitchens the “heart of our homes.” However, this uptick in kitchen activity can also result in a rise in cooking-related fires, as they are the leading cause of home fires during this time.

“Safety should always be our top ingredient,” Pitassi stated, urging residents to adhere to these key precautions to ensure a joyful rather than risky holiday season.

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking: Unattended cooking poses the greatest fire risk. If you must leave, turn off the burners.
• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources: Items like dish towels and wooden utensils should be kept a safe distance from the stovetop.
• Have a lid or baking sheet available: In the event of a small grease fire, you can use these to smother the flames. Never use water.
• Set timers and monitor your food: With holiday distractions, it’s easy to lose track of cooking time; regular checks can prevent accidents.
• Establish a “kid-free zone”: Ensure that children and pets stay at least three feet away from the stove and hot surfaces to avoid burns or spills.

Chief Goodman highlighted that holiday crimes often occur from opportunistic behavior, such as car break-ins and package thefts. “Working together to keep one another safe is vital for maintaining Maricopa as one of the safest cities in Arizona,” he remarked.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police. Here are additional suggestions from Goodman to enhance safety during the holidays:

• Enhance your home security: When traveling, use timers for lights and radios, or ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home.
• Protect your packages: To deter package theft, have deliveries sent to your workplace if possible.
• Stay alert for holiday scams: Criminals may exploit the season; remain cautious of typical scams that arise during this time.
• Disguise gift packaging: Be discreet when disposing of boxes, especially for valuable gifts, to avoid drawing attention.
• Always lock your vehicles: Ensure your car is locked and refrain from leaving valuables inside.

By following these guidelines, Maricopa residents can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season, reducing potential mishaps and increasing community security.