5 Safety Advice for Black Friday Shoppers in Florida

Black Friday in Florida is one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year, but safety can sometimes be overlooked when in the rush to get the best prices. From crowded malls to potential internet scams, shoppers must take many precautions to ensure a safe and happy shopping experience. Whether you are shopping in person or online this Black Friday, here are some important safety tips.

Keep Your Personal Property Safe

Crowded stores can lead to pickpocketing and inadvertent losses.

• Use a crossbody bag or backpack: Keep your purse or bag close to you and avoid leaving it in your cart, where it can be easily stolen.
• Keep valuables in a secure location: Bring only what you need, such as your ID, one credit card, and any store-specific cards or vouchers.
• Pay attention to your surroundings: Stay alert, especially in checkout lines, where thieves may target distracted customers.

Use Secure Payment Methods

With the increasing use of digital payments, make sure your financial data is secure.

• Use credit cards instead of debit cards: Credit cards often provide stronger fraud protection. If something goes wrong, you will not immediately lose your own money.
• Enable two-factor authentication: This is particularly helpful when you shop online because it gives your accounts an additional layer of security.
• Avoid using cash: If cash is lost or stolen, it is more difficult to recover, so card payments are best. 

Be Cyber-Savvy when Shopping Online

Although online buying is convenient, there are risks associated with it. Black Friday in Florida and Cyber Monday attract scammers who are keen to take advantage of the surge in consumers.

• Stick to reputable websites: Purchase only from trustworthy websites. In the address bar, look for “https” and the padlock icon.
• Keep an eye out for fraudulent emails: A lot of scammers send emails pretending to be from well-known retailers with amazing discounts. Avoid clicking on questionable links and instead visit the retailer’s website.
• Use secure passwords: If you have accounts with shopping sites, make sure your passwords are unique and strong. A password manager can help you keep track of your passwords.

Stay Vigilant in Crowded Parking Lots 

Busy parking lots on Black Friday, especially in Florida, and other holiday shopping days can result in accidents due to distracted driving, traffic, and elevated stress levels. 

• Slow down and stay alert: Drive cautiously through parking lots, especially during busy shopping hours. High speeds or abrupt stops raise the likelihood of an accident. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for shopping carts left in lanes, other cars, and pedestrians.
• Park further from the entrance: Parking further away increases the number of spaces accessible to you and lessens the likelihood that you will come across congested, busy areas close to the entrance. A short extra walk will help you avoid congested locations, where most accidents occur.
• Steer clear of distractions: Put your phone away. Distracted driving in a crowded parking lot can be particularly hazardous. Avoid adjusting your GPS or grabbing for anything while driving. 
• Back into parking spots when possible: Backing into a parking space improves visibility when you leave, allowing you to see approaching traffic more clearly. Use a backup camera if you have one, but also check your mirrors and look for blind spots.
• Keep an eye out for carts and pedestrians: Pedestrians may be distracted or carrying heavy objects that block their view, especially if they are pushing shopping carts or have children. Give pedestrians the right of way and use caution around crosswalks and entrance areas.
• Do not rush to take a spot: Avoid rushing to grab an open spot, especially if other vehicles are nearby. Aggressive behavior can result in fender benders or worse. If someone else wants the same spot, let them have it and look for another. It is not worth taking the risk.
• Lock your car: Lock your car when you go inside the store, and avoid leaving valuables visible. Crowded parking lots can attract theft, so take extra precautions to secure your items.
• Stay calm: Even though crowded parking lots can be frustrating, try to stay calm and polite. Avoid honking or making unexpected movements, which may increase tensions or cause accidents.

Avoid Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents 

Wet or cluttered floors, uneven surfaces, and misplaced items can cause slips, trips, and falls in busy stores. It is a good idea to: 

• Wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
• Watch your step, especially near entrances and aisles where items may be stacked.
• Report any spills or obstructions to store staff immediately.

By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy Black Friday to the fullest without endangering your well-being. Should something go awry during your Black Friday shopping trip, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will be available to help you understand your legal rights. Call us at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation. 

To have a successful and safe shopping experience, be smart, be vigilant, and prioritize safety. Happy shopping!