Black Friday stands as the start to holiday season shopping as a result of the crazy savings some stores offer. The National Retail Federation said that 137.4 million Americans plan to shop Thanksgiving weekend. With such high volumes of people in and out of stores on Black Friday it is critical to recognize the potentials dangers that this day poses every year, and to take steps to protect yourself and your family from the risks involved.
Let's take a look at how you can stay safe this Black Friday.
Choose your locations wisely
Malls, as well as massive department stores and retail giants, tend to be the most dangerous of all simply due to overcrowding. Trampling and fighting are most common when there are too many people trying to fit through the doors of a store, so simply be patient and wait until the crowd has subsided and it is safe to enter. If at all possible, wait to go to these types of locations until later in the day when they are less over-populated.
Keep your money safe
National Capital Region Updates, a government entity devoted to news and safety tips, urges consumers to never "flash the cash" around, nor keep their credit card or checkbooks out in the open any more than is necessary. The group also suggests keeping receipts for all purchases and never buying more items than you can safely carry from the store to your car. NCRU notes that carrying wallets in small handbags rather than pockets could prevent theft.
Mind your vehicle
Your car – whether you’re in it or not – can be at risk on Black Friday. Follow these tips to keep your car, and your family, safe:
Happy shopping!
Let's take a look at how you can stay safe this Black Friday.
Choose your locations wisely
Malls, as well as massive department stores and retail giants, tend to be the most dangerous of all simply due to overcrowding. Trampling and fighting are most common when there are too many people trying to fit through the doors of a store, so simply be patient and wait until the crowd has subsided and it is safe to enter. If at all possible, wait to go to these types of locations until later in the day when they are less over-populated.
Keep your money safe
National Capital Region Updates, a government entity devoted to news and safety tips, urges consumers to never "flash the cash" around, nor keep their credit card or checkbooks out in the open any more than is necessary. The group also suggests keeping receipts for all purchases and never buying more items than you can safely carry from the store to your car. NCRU notes that carrying wallets in small handbags rather than pockets could prevent theft.
Mind your vehicle
Your car – whether you’re in it or not – can be at risk on Black Friday. Follow these tips to keep your car, and your family, safe:
- Never leave purchases in visible areas of the vehicle. Place them in the trunk, or on the floor space of the car.
- Pay attention to where you are parking, and keep your car in safe areas at all times.
- Be especially mindful of other drivers on the road, and practice proper defensive driving techniques when in heavy traffic.
Happy shopping!
