Goodyear shares holiday safety reminders

With holiday travel, shopping and gatherings underway, the city of Goodyear is reminding residents to take simple steps to stay safe and protect their homes during the busy season.

Officers urge the public to remain aware of their surroundings and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. City officials said taking extra precautions can help prevent accidents, fires and theft during the holidays.

The department is also warning residents not to throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling bins. Many electronics contain rechargeable batteries that can spark fires in garbage trucks, recycling facilities and landfills. Batteries should be taken to drop-off locations such as Best Buy, Home Depot or Lowe’s, or disposed of through the city’s free Household Hazardous Waste pickup service. 

Holiday packaging can pile up quickly, and officials reminded residents to recycle properly. Flattened cardboard boxes, plain paper wrapping paper without glitter or foil, and simple paper gift bags can go in recycling bins. Bows, ribbons, tinsel and shiny or glittery wrapping paper should be placed in the trash. 

Fire safety is another concern, particularly with live Christmas trees. Officials said trees should be kept watered and away from heat sources. Once trees begin to dry out, they should be disposed of and never burned in fireplaces or fire pits. Goodyear residents can place trees at the curb on their bulk trash pickup day or drop them off at Sunbelt Rentals, 803 E. Van Buren St.

For those leaving town, city officials recommend securing homes by locking doors, windows and garage doors, pausing mail and package deliveries or asking a neighbor to collect them, and waiting to share travel plans on social media until returning home.