CORNELIUS – The Cornelius Police Department hosted more than 80 local senior citizens at its 18th annual Senior Holiday & Safety Luncheon on Dec. 7.

The seniors were treated to lunch donated by Big Bites Restaurant and cooked by Vertie Torrence and Gladys and Rosalyn Henderson.

As part of the program, Sgt. George Brinzey gave holiday safety tips and fielded questions from guests.

Be alert

• Go out with friends and family, not alone.

• Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.

• Don’t carry credit cards you don’t need or large amounts of cash.

• Whether you’re a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near the entrance.

• Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train or subway.

• If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.

Safe home

• Install good locks on doors and windows. Don’t hide keys in mailboxes or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or relative you can trust.

• Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in your home. Call the company to verify them if you are still in doubt.

• Be sure your street address number is large, clear from obstruction and well lighted so that emergency personnel can find your home quickly.

• Consider a home alarm system that provides monitoring for police, fire and medical emergencies.

Watch for scams

• Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true.

• Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone over the telephone.

• Don’t let anyone rush you into signing anything. Read everything carefully and have someone you trust check it over.

• If you are suspicious of someone, or before you hire a contractor, check them out with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Affairs.