Holiday Safety Tips from the MPD and MFMD

Published on November 21, 2024

The City of Maricopa is committed to the safety of our vibrant community, especially during the bustling holiday season. As celebrations bring festivities and togetherness, the Maricopa Fire/Medical and Police Departments are stepping up to ensure everyone can enjoy the season safely. 
 
Police Chief Mark Goodman and Fire Chief Brad Pitassi would like to share some of their top tips to ensure residents have a safe and happy time this holiday season.

Top 5 Holiday Cooking Safety Tips from the MFMD

“As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, our kitchens often become the heart of our homes. Unfortunately, the holidays also bring an increase in cooking-related fires. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires during this time of year. While the joy of preparing holiday meals brings us together, it’s important to remember that safety should always be our top ingredient. By taking a few extra precautions, we can avoid unnecessary accidents and ensure that the holidays remain a time of warmth, laughter, and delicious meals—not unintended emergencies."

1. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. If you need to step away, turn off the burners.
2. Keep flammable items away from heat sources. Ensure dish towels, oven mitts, paper towels, and wooden utensils are kept clear of the stovetop.
3. Keep a lid or baking sheet handy. In the event of a small grease fire, cover the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
4. Use timers and check food often. It's easy to lose track of time during holiday festivities, so set timers to remind you to check on your food regularly.
5. Ensure children and pets stay a safe distance. Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and hot appliances to prevent accidental burns or spills.

Top 5 Holiday Safety Tips from the MPD

“During the holiday season, let’s remember that we all have a role in keeping Maricopa one of Arizona’s safest cities,” says Chief Goodman. “Many crimes, like car break-ins and package thefts, are crimes of opportunity. By taking simple steps—like locking your doors, securing your packages, and staying alert—we can prevent these incidents and send a clear message: we won’t give crime a chance."

1. Home Security - If you’re leaving on vacation for the holidays, be sure to use timers for lights and radios while you're away and ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home.
2. Protect your Packages - Don’t give porch pirates an opportunity, have important packages shipped to your workplace.
3. Holiday Scammers - Generosity is common this time of year, Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people's generosity during the holidays.
4. Properly Dispose of Gift Packaging - Don't advertise expensive toys, electronics, or other gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collections. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up.
5. Lock Your Vehicles - Always make sure to double check your vehicle is locked when parked on your driveway and/or sidewalk and never leave any valuables inside.

“Maricopa is one of the safest cities in Arizona.  Let’s work together to keep it that way and to keep one another safe and secure.  Please do not hesitate to report suspicious activity to the police department. We are always here to help," said Chief Goodman.

For non-urgent concerns this holiday season, residents are encouraged to contact the Maricopa Police Department’s non-emergency line at (520) 568-3673. You can also quickly and easily file a non-emergency police report online by clicking this link.

Stay safe, and happy holidays!