The holiday season should be a time of celebration—not stress, vulnerability, or becoming a target. Unfortunately, crime consistently increases between November and January. Thieves look for easy opportunities, distracted shoppers, unsecured vehicles, poorly lit parking lots, and homes left empty for travel.
But with a few simple habits, you can dramatically reduce your risk and protect yourself, your family, and your property.
Here’s a personal security guide for the holidays, based on real-world protective practices and practical situational awareness principles.

1. Protect Yourself While Shopping
Whether you shop in-store or pick up curbside, stay intentional about your surroundings.
Stay Off the Phone
Criminals look for distracted people. Keep your head up and maintain natural eye contact with people around you.
Park Smart

• Choose well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Avoid parking next to large vans or vehicles that block visibility.

Secure Your Valuables

• Never leave bags, electronics, or gifts in plain view.
• If you must store items, lock them in the trunk before arriving at your next stop—not after.

Walk With Confidence
A purposeful walk signals awareness and reduces the likelihood of being targeted.

2. Keep Your Home Secure While Traveling
Many holiday burglaries occur when homeowners are out of town.
Make Your Home Look Lived In

• Use timers for lights, inside and outside.
• Leave a vehicle in the driveway if possible.

Don’t Broadcast Your Travel Plans
Avoid posting travel details or countdowns online. Criminals use social media too.
Lock Everything
Windows, backyard gates, and sliding doors are commonly overlooked.
Have a Trusted Neighbor Check In
Package theft spikes during the holidays. Ask someone to:

• Pick up packages
• Move trash cans
• Do a quick walk around the home

3. Protect Your Packages
“Porch pirates” love the holidays. To prevent theft:

• Ship to lockers or pickup locations when possible.
• Schedule deliveries for when you’re home.
• Install a doorbell camera or motion-activated light.
• Request signature confirmation for higher-value items.

Even simple visibility deterrents make thieves think twice.

4. Stay Safe in Holiday Crowds
Festivals, Christmas markets, concerts, and parades attract both families and opportunistic criminals.
Have a Family Plan
Designate:

• A meeting spot
• Who holds which child’s hand
• A backup plan if someone gets separated

Know the Exits
Whenever you enter a venue, identify:

• Primary exits
• Secondary exits
• Potential choke points

Situational awareness isn’t paranoia—it's preparation.
Avoid Alcohol Impairment
You’re more vulnerable (and less aware) when you’ve been drinking.

5. Use Caution at ATMs and Gas Stations
These locations are common spots for holiday-season theft.
ATM Safety

• Use indoor or bank-lobby ATMs when possible.
• Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash.

Gas Pump Safety

• Park with your vehicle close to the pump.
• Keep your doors locked while pumping fuel.
• Never leave your purse or bag on the passenger seat.

6. Cybersecurity Matters Too
Holiday shopping often means heavy online activity.
Tips for Safe Online Shopping

• Only shop through secure websites (https://).
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Don’t store credit card information on retail sites.
• Beware of holiday-themed phishing scams.

If a deal looks too good to be true—it is.

7. Traveling? Use These Personal Security Habits
Whether driving or flying, keep these best practices in mind:
Before Leaving

• Tell one trusted person your itinerary.
• Avoid posting travel photos until after you return.
• Store valuables out of sight in your vehicle.

At Hotels

• Stay between the 3rd and 6th floors (safer from break-ins, easier for fire response).
• Use the deadbolt and secondary lock.
• Don’t open the door for unverified staff.

On the Road

• Keep your tank at least half full.
• Avoid stopping in unlit or isolated areas.
• Lock doors immediately when entering the vehicle.

8. Trust Your Instincts—They’re Your Early Warning System
If something feels off…

• A person acting out of place
• A vehicle circling
• Someone following too closely
• A gut feeling of danger

…trust it. Your intuition is one of your most powerful safety tools.
Move, change direction, ask for help, or get to a populated area quickly.

Stay Vigilant This Holiday Season
Personal security doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple habits—applied consistently—can significantly reduce your risk.
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At Vigilant Safety & Security Services, we provide:

• Personal safety coaching
• Situational awareness training
• Active-shooter readiness training
• Family safety planning
• Corporate and community workshops

Every year, OSHA publishes its list of the most frequently cited violations—and Texas consistently reflects the same trends. Whether you operate in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or service industries, understanding these common pitfalls can help you prevent injuries, reduce citations, and create a safer work environment.
As a safety consultant serving organizations across Texas, I see these violations repeatedly during audits and facility assessments. The good news? Each one is preventable with the right training, documentation, and oversight.
Here are the Top 10 OSHA Violations in Texas—and how to avoid them today.

1. Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501)
Falls remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities, especially in construction.
Common Issues in Texas:

• Unprotected roof edges
• Open sides of platforms
• Workers using improper fall protection equipment

How to Avoid It

• Provide guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems.
• Train workers on proper harness use and anchor points.
• Conduct routine inspections of fall protection gear.

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)
Texas employers often fail to maintain a compliant HazCom program.
Common Issues:

• Missing Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Containers without proper labels
• Employees unaware of chemical hazards

How to Avoid It

• Maintain an up-to-date SDS library.
• Train all employees on the GHS system.
• Label all secondary containers clearly.

3. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
This violation shows up frequently in manufacturing, welding shops, and chemical facilities.
How to Avoid It

• Conduct a hazard assessment for airborne contaminants.
• Implement fit testing and medical evaluations.
• Train employees annually on respirator use and maintenance.

4. Scaffolding (1926.451)
Texas construction sites regularly receive citations for improper scaffold erection or use.
How to Avoid It

• Ensure scaffolds are erected by a competent person.
• Provide proper guardrails and access.
• Inspect scaffolds daily, especially after storms—a major Texas concern.

5. Ladders (1926.1053)
Simple, everyday tools—yet consistently misused.
How to Avoid It

• Train employees to maintain 3 points of contact.
• Remove damaged ladders immediately.
• Ensure ladders extend 3 feet above landing levels.

6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)
LOTO violations continue to cause serious injuries across Texas facilities.
How to Avoid It

• Develop machine-specific LOTO procedures.
• Train authorized and affected employees.
• Verify zero-energy state before servicing equipment.

7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)
Forklifts, telehandlers, and other PITs are heavily cited.
How to Avoid It

• Provide OSHA-compliant forklift training and certification.
• Conduct daily pre-use inspections.
• Remove defective equipment from service immediately.

8. Machine Guarding (1910.212)
Missing, damaged, or bypassed guards create major hazards.
How to Avoid It

• Install proper guards on points of operation.
• Replace missing or damaged guards right away.
• Train employees to never bypass guarding systems.

9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102 / 1910.133)
Texas job sites often struggle with inconsistent PPE enforcement.
How to Avoid It

• Provide ANSI-approved safety glasses and face shields.
• Enforce PPE use 100% of the time.
• Train workers on proper PPE care and replacement.

10. Electrical – Wiring Methods (1910.305)
Improper wiring and temporary electrical setups are areas of frequent citations.
How to Avoid It

• Ensure flexible cords are used appropriately.
• Replace damaged cords and outlets immediately.
• Keep electrical panels clear (minimum 36 inches).

How Texas Employers Can Stay Compliant
Avoiding OSHA violations isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting your people and strengthening your organization. Here are the best practices that work across every Texas industry:
1. Conduct Regular Safety Audits
Identify hazards before an OSHA inspector or incident does.
2. Update Written Safety Programs
Ensure they reflect current OSHA standards and job tasks.
3. Train Your Workforce Continuously
Annual refresher training is essential for compliance and retention.
4. Create a Culture of Accountability
Supervisors must model and enforce safe behaviors.
5. Document Everything
If it’s not documented, OSHA assumes it never happened.

Need Help Eliminating These Violations?
At Vigilant Safety & Security Services, we help Texas businesses:

• Identify and correct OSHA compliance gaps
• Conduct comprehensive facility safety assessments
• Train workers and supervisors
• Develop written programs and procedures
• Build a culture of safety and accountability

​Protect your people. Strengthen your organization. Stay OSHA compliant.