Holiday Shopping Safety and Security Tips
BLOGS AND NEWS | November 27, 2024
It doesn’t matter if you are shopping on Black Friday or during the busy holidays; taking a few simple precautions to protect yourself will provide a much better shopping experience. Will you be out dealing with the crowds in person, hoping to secure a great deal? If so, don’t forget to maintain your situational awareness; it only takes seconds for something bad to happen. Being aware of the things, people, and events occurring around you will help keep you safe and secure.

How to Protect Yourself in Stores

Although fistfights and long lines on Black Friday may not be as common as they used to be, emotions can still run high, and the day can be a riskier shopping day than, say, any other day of the year. Here are a few common-sense reminders to keep yourself safe in stores on Black Friday.
      • Stay alert, be prepared, and have a plan if something bad happens.
      • Be prepared to Run, Hide, or Fight during an active threat.
      • If you carry a purse, keep it close to your body.
      • If you’re more of a wallet type, put it in your front pants pocket.
      • Refrain from getting into arguments over an item. It’s not worth it.
      • Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Keep money out of sight.
      • Use Apple Pay or other mobile payment systems.
      • Use a credit card and monitor card activity.
      • Ask store personnel for help loading and unloading large items.
      • Avoid shopping with younger children; it’s easy to get separated.
      • Teach kids how to ask a security officer or store employee for help.
      • Use the buddy system when shopping. There’s safety in numbers.
      • Ask a security officer to walk you to your car if you feel unsafe.
Copyright 2024
Portions of this blog appeared in Black Friday Shopping Safety and Security Tips published by LARGO Consulting Services in November of 2019.

About the Author
Bernard D. Gollotti, CPP, is the Founder/Owner & Principal Security Consultant of LARGO Consulting Services, LLC. Bernard’s extensive career in public safety and security includes a breadth of roles that gives him a rare 360-degree perspective. He is a self-motivated professional who worked his way up the industry, starting as a security officer and quickly rising through the ranks to hold senior and executive positions. Under his leadership, the LARGO team

LARGO Consulting Services, LLC is committed to providing safe and secure environments where you live, work, study, and play. For more information about our security consulting services, please get in touch with LARGO Consulting Services, LLC online or call 833-LARGOCS. We also invite you to connect with us on LinkedIn.