Sure, the holidays are about spending time with family, relaxing, and celebrating the holidays; but for many, the holiday season means lots and lots of shopping. According to the National Retail Federation, around 40% of holiday shoppers begin before Halloween, and you know how many people are planning to hit the stores on Black Friday. But what most of these holiday shoppers don’t realize is that there is an unimaginable amount of ways to get hurt during their sprees.
You and your employees are no exception to this. If you go out shopping for the holidays, there are a few holiday shopping safety tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
In the Car
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When you load up the car after checking out at Target, make sure you’re not piling things up too high. You could block your mirrors and obstruct your valuable view while driving.
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Another thing to keep in mind while loading the car is that loose items can be a major driving hazard. Make sure nothing can shift, fall, or roll on the floor while you’re on the road.
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Make sure your kids aren’t causing too much of a distraction as you’re driving home or from store to store. Long days away from home can cause cranky kids and cranky parents alike, and it’s important to keep your attention on the road.
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Park in a well-lit area everywhere you stop. Slips, trips, and falls are much more likely to occur if you can’t see where you’re stepping—especially in winter weather and with arms full of shopping bags.
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Remember where you parked. This is especially important if you have kids or a lot of gifts. It’s not a good idea to wander around a busy parking lot with an impatient youngster because you never know what might happen. It’s also dangerous to carry heavy items for extended periods of time because of the risk of muscle strains.
At the Store
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Keep a close eye on your kids. The busiest holiday shopping days are a dangerous time for parents to lose track of the little ones. Whether you’re reading through a shopping list or comparing prices on the shelf, it’s tough to monitor kids closely. Consider bringing along another adult to help supervise, or keep the kids safe at home.
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Dress for the weather. You may only be outside for only a few minutes at a time, running into the store and back out to the car, but it’s important to be prepared. Sensible shoes are a great start, especially in icy or wet conditions. Slipping or injuring an ankle isn’t how you want to prepare for the holidays.
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Don’t try to carry everything by yourself. Ask for some help, use a cart (or two), or make multiple trips to the car or into the house. Trying to handle too much at once is the beginning of far too many hazards.
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Don’t leave all of your shopping for the last minute. If you’re out shopping in a hurry and in a state of stress, all of the other concerns only worsen. You’ll be keeping yourself the safest when you’re calm and relaxed.
Why We Need Holiday Shopping Safety
We need safety during every part of our lives. That’s why there are warning labels on many of the products that we buy and there are life lessons that we’ve all been taught since we could barely talk. But we often forget about safety precautions when we’re doing normal, everyday things.
You don’t have to be grilling, lighting fireworks, or doing yard work to keep safety in mind at home. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can be the most dangerous, and that’s because we don’t realize the multitude of hazards that exist in everyday life all around us. In order to make your holidays safe and worry-free, tell your friends and family about the little things they can do to avoid injuries while they’re out shopping for their loved ones.
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