City of San Antonio Shares Holiday Safety Tips for Residents

Published on December 11, 2025

SAN ANTONIO (December 11, 2025) — As holiday celebrations ramp up, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) urge residents to stay alert and take simple precautions to prevent crime, accidents, fires, and other safety hazards.

Prevent Theft and Accidents

Vehicle Safety and Driving Tips

• Stay aware of your surroundings; avoid using your phone while walking through parking lots.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle or keep them out of sight.
• Lock your vehicle every time you exit.
• Never drink and drive. Plan ahead with a designated driver, taxi, rideshare, or public transit.

Porch, Mailbox, and Home Security Tips

• Cluster mailboxes continue to be targeted. Retrieve mail daily, never leave it overnight.
• If you’re expecting a package, ask a neighbor or family member to pick it up if you’re not home.
• Keep Christmas trees and gifts out of direct view from windows or doors.
• Lock all doors, windows, and garages; maintain good exterior lighting.

Report suspicious activity to SAPD at 210-207-7273. For immediate threats, call 911. Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Service at 877-876-2455 or at MailTheft.uspis.gov. Learn more: SA.gov/MailboxTheft

Prevent Fires

Electrical Safety Tips

• Don’t overload outlets or extension cords; keep walkways clear of cords.
• Keep pets and children away from lights and electrical decor.
• Replace damaged lights or cords.
• Use indoor lights only indoors.
• Turn off all holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

1. Choose a tree with fresh needles that don’t fall off when touched.
2. Cut two inches off the trunk before placing it in the stand.
3. Keep the tree at least three feet away from heaters, fireplaces, and other heat sources.
4. Don’t block exits.
5. Water the tree daily.
6. Never use candles on or near the tree.

Cooking Safety Tips

• Avoid loose clothing or sleeves while cooking.
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling. Turn off burners if you need to step away.
• Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.
• Keep flammable items, towels, food packaging and paper away from heat sources.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Heater Safety Tips

• Maintain a three-foot “no-burn zone” around space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and furnaces.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, never into a power strip.

Report Gunfire: Call the Shots

Celebratory gunfire is illegal and dangerous. Stray bullets can injure or kill and cause property damage. Report gunfire immediately to 210-207-7273. SAPD officers will respond, investigate, and enforce the law. Learn more: SA.gov/CallTheShots

Holiday Crime Reduction Task Force

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, SAPD activates its Holiday Crime Reduction Task Force. This initiative brings together SAPD units and state law enforcement partners to work with local businesses and community organizations to reduce crime through targeted, data-driven operations.

SAPD encourages residents to report suspicious activity at any time. Community partnership remains central to keeping San Antonio safe during the holidays and throughout the year.