It is that time of year again—the holidays! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this means so is Black Friday. In the past, Black Friday shoppers have gained the reputation of being ruthless and at times, dangerous. With the deals and shopping sprees beginning much earlier now, the risk for danger is lower than it used to be. However, there are still several safety tips you need to know, as the Black Friday shopping rage can tend to be overwhelming and the crowds are typically huge. Keep reading to learn how to stay safe while partaking in Black Friday shopping!
- Avoid Pick-pocketers
Wearing a purse or an open bag is like giving bait to fish. Those who pickpocket are usually staked out on Black Friday, hovering around the lines outside of stores, as well as inside following shoppers around. A great way to avoid bringing a purse or bag while shopping is to get a small credit card wallet to keep in your jacket (zip your pockets!) or an adhesive cardholder to attach to your phone. These can be found in most stores and are worth the investment if you are going to shop on Black Friday.
- Bring A Buddy
Do not shop on Black Friday alone. Make sure you are with someone you know throughout the day and night, as the large crowds of people are unsafe and raise the potential of getting lost or kidnapped. Having someone accompany you in Black Friday shopping is not only safer, but it assures you that you are not alone.
- Plan Ahead and Avoid Being First In Line
Knowing where the deals are and exactly what you want to buy will help you get in and out of stores faster. Doing your research online before Black Friday shopping is a great way to plan ahead in terms of shopping for yourself or holiday gifts for others! You are bound to find what you are looking for beforehand rather than searching through the crowds of people for hours on end. The risk of getting injured while waiting first in line and then having the doors open is not worth it in the long run. Staying towards the middle to the back end of the line is a probable way to avoid injury by other shoppers.
As Black Friday is just a few days away, it is imperative that you prepare ahead of time for what is to come. With the thousands of deals and coupons come the huge rushes of people, starting as early as Thanksgiving morning! There have been numerous stories about individuals getting injured as a result of these crowds. Avoiding pick-pocketers, bringing a buddy, and planning ahead are some of the best ways to stay safe and avoid potential injury from Black Friday shopping. Black Friday has evolved over the years, but the number of shoppers is still high and rising.
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. If you have been in an accident or injured while you were Black Friday shopping, contact Haug Law Group immediately! Our team is here to provide you with a free consultation with any of our qualified personal injury lawyers. We will fight for you and your safety!