The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department offers safety tips for the holidays at home

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Whether you will be enjoying the holidays here in The Woodlands or traveling, the Township’s Neighborhood Services Department encourages you to take the following precautions to keep you, your family and your home secure.

• Always lock your home, vehicle, garage and backyard gates. Ensure all family members know how to properly use the alarm. Remove all valuables from vehicles.

• Don’t let your home appear unoccupied. Use Vacation Watch services through your local law enforcement agency and ask a neighbor to pick up delivered packages.

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement as soon as you see it. Let officers determine whether the behavior is a concern. Refer to the “Important Phone Numbers” section at the bottom of this email for non-emergency dispatch contact information.

• Do not open the door to solicitors or to anyone you do not know. Speak to them through the door. Join The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch to get a “No Solicitor” decal for your door/window.

• Adjust your blinds so visitors cannot see gifts and packages inside your home. After the holidays, break down boxes before placing them on the curb so you are not inadvertently advertising your new purchases.

Safety Tips for Holiday Shopping

As you hunt for the best bargains on your holiday shopping lists, keep the following safety tips in mind.

• Remove valuables from your vehicle whenever possible. If you must keep items with you, store them in the trunk after leaving a store. Always lock your vehicle at shopping centers.

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle. Do not leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.

• Park in well-lit areas of the parking lot and utilize lanes where normal traffic flow is going away from the building when possible, for a safer exit.

• Have your keys in hand before exiting a store with all items secured.

• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement when it is happening.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you feel uncomfortable, notify security and request to be escorted out of the building to your car.

Limit Street Parking to Leave Room for Emergency Vehicles

The Township urges residents to reduce street parking during holidays. Too many parked vehicles can delay emergency response times.

Residential streets in The Woodlands are 22-24 feet wide, while vehicles average 6.5 feet wide. Emergency vehicles and garbage trucks are 8-9 feet wide. A one-foot clearance is insufficient for them to pass safely. In emergencies, quick and safe arrival is crucial. Avoid street parking to ensure first responders can reach emergencies quickly.

Township Facility Closures and Trash/Recycling Schedule Changes

In observance of the upcoming holidays, all Township offices and both recreation centers will be closed December 24 & December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026.

There will be no trash or recycling pickup on Christmas Day and New Years Day. Thursday routes will be collected on Friday, and Friday routes will be collected on Saturday.

Christmas Week Schedule

• Monday Dec. 22: Normal Pickup

• Tuesday Dec. 23: Normal Pickup

• Wednesday Dec. 24: Normal Pickup

• Thursday Dec. 25: No Pickup

• Friday Dec. 26: Thursday's Pickup

• Saturday Dec. 27: Friday's Pickup

New Year's Week Schedule

• Monday Dec. 29: Normal Pickup

• Tuesday Dec. 30: Normal Pickup

• Wednesday Dec. 31: Normal Pickup

• Thursday Jan. 1: No Pickup

• Friday Jan. 2: Thursday's Pickup

• Saturday Jan. 3: Friday's Pickup