LOCK IT UP It takes a microsecond to lock your car doors, and it could save you money and aggravation.

“What everybody considers break-ins are typically people that just leave their cars unlocked,” said Mt. Lebanon Police Cpl. Ty Kegarise. “So if we don’t leave our cars unlocked then they don’t get broken into.”

Also, it’s not a good idea to leave an extra key inside the wheel well, or anywhere else on the vehicle.

“(Break-ins) are opportunity crimes and people hit different areas, specifically suburban areas because they know they’re safer and people feel more comfortable leaving their doors unlocked,” Kegarise added.

“It’s a half a second process that they go through,” said Deputy Chief Dan Cuiffi. “They just click the door and if it opens, they’ll go inside, and if it’s not, they will move on.”

ESPECIALLY AT THE MALL When you’re doing your holiday shopping, don’t leave your purchases in a visible place in your car. And if you’re doing most of your shopping online, don’t let the parcels pile up on your porch. Make arrangements with your neighbors to take them in.

ONLINE, PHONE AND TEXT SCAMS In one of the latest scams, someone will reach out to you reminding you of a political donation you pledged, or they will demand money or threaten your safety or computer access. They will tell you to scan a QR code or get cash cards to have this harassment stop. If you receive a message like this, call police at 911. Do not click on anything. If you think you owe money, go back to the original source.

PACE YOURSELF As it gets darker earlier, use caution when going on a neighborhood walk. Wear reflective clothing, carry a flashlight and always cross at well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings so you can identify any potential threats to your safety.

SPACE HEATERS  Always plug space heaters — and any other appliances — directly into a wall outlet. Don’t use surge protectors or extension cords, because the heavy electrical load could cause them to overheat. Make sure you have a three-foot space around any heating appliance, and don’t leave the heaters unattended. If you have a fireplace, be sure to have a screen in front. Make sure your space heater has a seal of approval from Underwriters Labs.

CANDLES Traditional candles should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including tinsel, branches and holiday trees. The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department recommends you use flameless candles, to diminish the risk.  If you opt for the real thing, don’t leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.

COOK SAFELY If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, here are some tips to keep firefighters and medics from crashing the party:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children, and make sure cords from  electric knives, coffee makers, plate warmers or mixers are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

AND IF YOU’RE DEEP-FRYING A whole other set of tips:

An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in. Test the amount of oil you need by filling your fryer with water. Place the turkey in the pot to make sure the water doesn’t get too close to the top.

• Make sure your turkey fryer is on a sturdy, level surface — at least 10 feet from your home and not under roof eaves — and do not move it once it is in use. Keep children and pets at least three feet from the fryer.
• A partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when you put it in the cooking pot. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed without frost on it before you fry it.
• Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire. If your turkey fryer does not have a thermostat, use a kitchen thermometer that attaches to the side of the pot.