Black Friday Safety Tips
Black Friday can be hectic and overwhelming, but it should never be unsafe. If you're setting out to catch the special sales, here are four safety tips to keep in mind while shopping:
- Plan ahead
- Know which stores you want to visit and what their hours are
- Make a list of items you want to shop for
- If you're going with friends, consider meeting in advance and carpool to stores
- Secure your belongings
- Keep your wallet close to your body, preferably with a zipper, and avoid carrying cash
- Don't leave valuables in plain sight in your parked car
- If you plan on leaving your purchases in the car, put them in the trunk or cover them with a blanket
- Communicate
- Make sure your cell phone is fully charged
- Plan a location and time to meet in case anyone in your group gets lost and cell service cuts out
- Coordinate with your group to wear bright colors to make it easier to find each other
- Take note of where you parked before entering the store
- Shop online
- Want to avoid all the above risks and crowds? Shop from the comfort of your home!
- Only use websites you are familiar with, and when making purchases online, check the URL to make sure it starts with https (as opposed to http), which includes a security layer
- Monitor your bank statements to make sure your information wasn't compromised
Whether you're shopping for yourself or others, online or offline, NJM wishes you a safe and fun Black Friday experience!
