Protecting Yourself on Black Friday
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. Because so many people are crowded into stores and malls, trying to buy the very same things you are, your chances of being seriously injured by people or your surroundings can be high. We want you to have a safe shopping experience on Black Friday, so we have created this list of safety tips to help you avoid a serious injury.
- Drink lots of water and eat a full breakfast, so that you don’t get fatigued or dizzy in line.
- Don’t wait at the store for the moment it opens; you may be crushed, elbowed or stepped on by other people trying to push inside.
- Park in well-lit areas so you can see your surroundings.
- Watch out for icy sidewalks and pathways, and for wet or broken floor tiles inside the store.
- Look both ways before your cross the parking lot.
- Keep your packages below the level of your windows, so that you don’t impede your view of the road and parking lot.
- Make multiple trips to the car to avoid straining your back, shoulders or arms with heavy packages.
- Consider keeping your money separate from your wallet, so that thieves cannot get to it.
- Reports any suspicious activity to local police or security guards.
- Avoid dark alleyways behind stores and back entrances to the mall.
The store owners are responsible for keeping their aisles free and clear from debris, but with so many shoppers in one place it can be hard to maintain the right level of cleanliness. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings, and watch where you are walking, in case other shoppers have moved large items to the wrong place. Be especially careful when reaching for objects on the top of the shelves or on large end caps; it is possible that they are not as sturdy or as safely positioned as other items in the store, and a falling object can crush a foot or cause a traumatic brain injury.
Black Friday shopping can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t forget to rest and drink water frequently.
From all of us at Lowery, Lowery & Cherry to all of you, happy holidays!