Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year and many consumers are out and about at odd hours of the night and into the next day looking for the best deals of the year. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while you are shopping this weekend!
1. Always make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings
Whether you are texting your friends or family members trying to decide where to go next or just fooling with your phone in the checkout line, please stay aware of the people around you at all times. Thieves often look for people that are distracted in large crowds.
2. Use the buddy system
Regardless of your age it is not smart to shop alone, especially in the middle of the night. There are countless people out and you don’t want to make yourself look like an easy target. You should also keep your phone charged to be able to maintain contact with your group in the event you get separated.
3. Check your car
It is a good idea to clean out your trunk ahead of time. If you have visible items in your backseat it makes your vehicle appealing for a smash and grab so you should fit as much stuff into your truck as possible. Also always make sure to lock your car, keep your keys handy and check the surrounding area of your car when coming out of a store to make sure no one is waiting for your return.
4. Drive safely
When driving, make sure to use extra caution. Motor vehicle accidents increase during the holiday season and with so many people out on the roads a car crash can happen at any time.
5. Stay Calm
When you are surrounded by people you don’t know, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Just remember to be kind to others and stay away from conflict. Every year we see news stories of people getting assaulted, trampled, and countless other stories of personal injury occurrences. No deal is worth physical harm!
Lastly, just have fun! Whether you are out Christmas shopping for family or maybe even yourself, follow these quick tips to stay safe so you can return home to your loved ones when it is all over.