• Do not carry all your cash and credit cards out with you, carry only what you will use that day
• Consider using a one time or multiuse prepaid credit card
• Lock all purchases in your trunk – do not leave them visible
• Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet in a front pocket
• Have your keys in your hand when you are heading out into the parking lot
• Make sure you park in a well-lit area
• Check the back seat and the area around the car before getting in
• If shopping with children, make sure you have a plan and a meeting spot in case you get separated
• Only buy what you can physically carry
• Make sure you have a cell phone available
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Be well rested
• Be courteous

Black Friday is considered the unofficial start to the holiday season but unfortunately it also brings out thieves, pickpockets and others that are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Though most people shop safely on Black Friday but it pays to be aware of what is going on around you and to have a plan if an emergency situation develops.  SafetySkills™ hopes that you stay safe and have a great holiday weekend!

It’s safe to say that when you think of Black Friday, you think about tons of sales to save you money on holiday shopping. Unfortunately, some of these savings come with a high price. Last year on Black Friday a Wal-Mart security guard was trampled to death by overly eager shoppers trying to make the most out of the potential savings that awaited them. This particular incident received news coverage all over the U.S. and even internationally in hopes of getting people to realize that no amount of financial savings is worth someone’s life.

But apparently not everyone got the message. There have been multiple reports of violent incidents occurring across the country just to save a buck. In a Sheboygan, Wisconsin Wal-Mart this morning police were called in a scuffle broke out over discounted GPS units. Another case in Centennial, Colorado Toys ‘R’ Us resulted in a 78-year-old woman being thrown to the floor. 14 Police patrol cars were called to another Toys ‘R’ Us in Jantzen Beach, Oregon when a physicla dispute took place amongst 100 shoppers who had been waiting since midnight.

Shoppers also need to be aware of the added risk that lies ahead of them on the road. Contrary to popular belief  the most dangerous holiday to be driving is not New Years’ but actually Thanksgiving. This is not that surprising when you put all elements into consideration and can be used when driving during the rest of the holiday season:

• Hazardous weather conditions
• Rushing for time = Speeding
• Celebrations = Drinking and Driving
• Overall courtesy that is shown during the holiday time on the road = Road Rage
• Driver Distraction

The one thing to learn from all of this is that Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude for what you have, not to hurt others in order to get what you want.