Are You Going Shopping on Black Friday? Beware. It Could Pose Unseen Threats to Your Child.
Many people look forward to shopping
on Black Friday.
For years, stores have used that day as the beginning of holiday shopping and many stores open very early, often at 4:00 a.m. or even earlier. Families have added that early-morning trip as part of their holiday traditions.
More and more, people bring their children along on these shopping sprees. Here are tips for keeping your children safe if they’re out on Black Friday.
- DRIVERS. There are lots of people – tired and cranky people - who have been up since two or three in the morning - driving around. They are in a hurry and stressed, which adds greater a threat on the road. Never skip buckling your child – or yourself – while driving from one store to the next, even if you are in a hurry and stressed. It may save time to skip the buckle, but taking the time to buckle could save a life.
- Also, watch how you store your purchased items in the car; items that are stacked too high may topple over on you or passengers in your car.
- MASS HYSTERIA never brings people to their finest moment, whether it’s over attacks from aliens or trying to get one of twenty holiday-fad items marked down for a dollar. It is easy for adults to get caught up in the undertow of excitement, but imagine how easy it is for a child to be trampled or knocked about. Shoppers herd in certain parts of the store to find a specific item and will stop at nothing to get it. Last year, a friend of mine witnessed a petite lady summon the strength of Superman to tip over a fully loaded cart, clearing a path to reach the last of the marked down vacuums.
- KEEP UP WITH THE KIDS. It’s crowded, cluttered and dangerous when kids are in the mix. They can get lost easily.
- TOO MUCH MERCHANDISE, TOO FEW CARTS. Stores often run out of carts for properly securing children. Excess stock kept stacked in aisles and endcaps can pose a challenge for children walking low to the ground and can fall on top of a child if they get bumped. If a cart is unavailable, never put your children inside other items such as a suitcase or duffle bag! (I didn’t make that up.)
- STROLLERS AND PURCHASES. Use caution if you decide to use your child’s stroller to carry your purchases (like hanging bags on the stroller handles). The extra weight may throw the balance of the stroller off and cause it to tip over and hurt your child.
So remember deal-hunters: Always make sure your children are safe and accounted for while shopping. Happy shopping!
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