SAN ANTONIO – With holiday festivities in full swing, the City of San Antonio is urging residents to stay vigilant as police and fire officials roll out a fresh round of safety reminders aimed at preventing thefts, accidents and fires.
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) say the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s typically bring an uptick in preventable incidents — from vehicle break-ins and package thefts to kitchen fires and dangerous celebratory gunfire.
This year, they’re asking residents to take simple precautions that can make a major difference.
Prevent theft and accidents
Officials say staying alert begins in parking lots and shopping centers. Avoid distractions, such as scrolling through your phone, and always park in well-lit areas. SAPD also stresses removing valuables from your vehicle or at least keeping them out of sight and locking your car every time you walk away from it.
With holiday parties ramping up, police are also reminding residents to never drink and drive. Instead, plan ahead with a designated driver, ride-hailing service, taxi or public transit.
Porch piracy and mailbox theft remain persistent problems during shipping season. The city says residents should retrieve mail daily, avoid leaving it out overnight and ask a neighbor or family member to pick up packages if no one is home. Inside the home, keep gifts and Christmas trees away from windows and make sure doors, windows and garages remain locked.
Suspicious activity can be reported to SAPD’s non-emergency line at 210-207-7273. For emergencies, call 911. Mail theft should be reported to the U.S. Postal Service at 877-876-2455 or online at MailTheft.uspis.gov.
Prevent fires
Fire officials say overloaded outlets, damaged cords and unattended cooking remain among the biggest holiday hazards.
Residents are encouraged not to overload outlets or extension cords, keep cords out of walkways and replace any light strands that appear frayed or damaged. Indoor lights should stay indoors, and all holiday decorations should be turned off before leaving home or going to bed.
Christmas trees also require extra care. Choose a fresh tree, cut two inches off the trunk before placing it in the stand, and keep it at least three feet from fireplaces, heaters and other heat sources. Trees should be watered daily and never block exits. Candles should not be used on or near a tree.
In the kitchen, SAFD urges residents to avoid loose clothing while cooking and to stay close when frying, grilling or broiling. If you need to step away, turn off the burner. Keep children, pets and flammable items like towels or packaging well away from heat sources, and keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
As temperatures cool, heater safety becomes increasingly important. Officials recommend maintaining a three-foot “no-burn zone” around space heaters and fireplaces, turning heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep, and plugging them directly into a wall outlet and never a power strip. And one reminder remains constant: never use an oven to heat your home.
Report celebratory gunfire
SAPD is again warning residents that celebratory gunfire is illegal and dangerous. Stray bullets can cause property damage, injuries or death. Anyone hearing gunfire should report it immediately to 210-207-7273 so officers can respond and investigate.
More information is available at SA.gov/CallTheShots.
Holiday Crime Reduction Task Force
To keep up with the season’s demands, SAPD has once again activated its Holiday Crime Reduction Task Force, a multi-agency effort that runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. The initiative pairs SAPD units with state law enforcement partners, local businesses and community groups to conduct targeted, data-driven crime-reduction operations.
City officials say community involvement remains key.
“Staying alert and working together is how we keep San Antonio safe — during the holidays and all year long,” the city said.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity anytime.