Shopping Safely During the Holidays

This is part of a sponsored collaboration with MACE and Crossroads Media Hub. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

With Thanksgiving only a few days away and Christmas right around the corner, most people are gearing up to start shopping for gifts. It's important to remember safety while shopping during the holiday season. Many of us love to shop on Black Friday! But, no matter when you do your shopping, take extra precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe. It's very unfortunate, but thieves, scammers and Con artists prey on holiday shoppers! 

Here are some safety tips for holiday shopping:

• Shop with a friend or family member, that way you're not an easy target. You are an easier target if you're alone.
• Try to shop during the daytime hours. Thieves are on the prowl more at night. If you do shop at night, make sure you park in well-lit areas
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. If you do, carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or in your front pocket.
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Never leave your purchases unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be aware of your surrounding when approaching and leaving your vehicle.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle and check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows or seats. Lock them in the trunk or take them home, if possible.
• Beware of strangers approaching you! If you're approached by someone saying they're with a charity and asking for a donation, find out exactly what that charity is and ask for verification from the person showing they represent that charity.
• If you notice a flyer or anything on your windshield do not get out to see what it is, this allows thieves an opportunity to steal your vehicle. Wait until you drive away and then stop to inspect the item.
• Carry protection, especially if you are shopping alone! I recommend carrying a MACE Brand personal safety kit. Mace Brand pepper spray is natural, it’s OC and triple filtered water. It's easy to use and comes with a training cartridge filled with water, so you can safely familiarize yourself with how to hold, aim, and spray it before use. It's non-lethal and the injury it causes is only temporary.

Mace Brand has a variety of products for your protection.  When using a Mace Brand product for personal protection it's important to read all the instructions for proper use. I urge you to visit the Mace Brand website and check out all the products available to keep you safe. Find Mace Brand on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MaceBrand, or follow on Twitter.
 


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