As parts of the country are waking up to frost covered windshields and piles of rich golden leaves, we are reminded of the upcoming holiday season.
For those who are still running their air conditioners, all one needs to do is take a visit to your local retail establishment to see holiday or already lining the aisles.
In this age of harried lifestyles it's imperative to slow down long enough to put your personal safety first.
All too often the "it won't happen to me" and "I'm too busy" mentality takes over.
Below you will find tips and precautionary measures to aid with your personal safety and security during the holiday season.
Are Your Hands Free? This is an important question to consider prior to exiting the relative security of the shopping mall.
Leaving shopping centers at night can leave you especially vulnerable.
Often times, many of us will be laden with shopping bags, purses and children in tow, which makes an enticing target of opportunity for would-be attacker harboring in the shadows.
Remaining alert to this vulnerability is key to your safety and security.
When possible, keep all items in a shopping cart and use it to transport items until you reach your vehicle.
Better still, if shopping with a friend or adult family member, have someone wait near the entrance/exit while the other drives back to the meeting location.
This affords an opportunity to load the kids and purchases without over exposure to threats.
Moreover, this brief separation of the adults provides over-watch of one another and enables one or the other to spot trouble and summon help, if needed.
In the event a physical threat materializes while your hands are not free your voice will become your best initial defense.
First of all, make some noise! Screaming like a banshee at the top of your lungs will draw attention to yourself and the situation in progress.
People can't come to your aid if they don't know there is a problem.
While you are screaming, unless your cargo includes a small child you should immediately drop whatever possessions are in your hands.
Now is not the time to think of that collectible glass item drop whatever you have so that you are unencumbered and make every attempt to break free of your attacker.
Remember; plan ahead to avoid shopping during hours of darkness and unfamiliar neighborhoods when at all possible.
Take the steps now to make your holiday shopping enjoyable and safe.
For those who are still running their air conditioners, all one needs to do is take a visit to your local retail establishment to see holiday or already lining the aisles.
In this age of harried lifestyles it's imperative to slow down long enough to put your personal safety first.
All too often the "it won't happen to me" and "I'm too busy" mentality takes over.
Below you will find tips and precautionary measures to aid with your personal safety and security during the holiday season.
Are Your Hands Free? This is an important question to consider prior to exiting the relative security of the shopping mall.
Leaving shopping centers at night can leave you especially vulnerable.
Often times, many of us will be laden with shopping bags, purses and children in tow, which makes an enticing target of opportunity for would-be attacker harboring in the shadows.
Remaining alert to this vulnerability is key to your safety and security.
When possible, keep all items in a shopping cart and use it to transport items until you reach your vehicle.
Better still, if shopping with a friend or adult family member, have someone wait near the entrance/exit while the other drives back to the meeting location.
This affords an opportunity to load the kids and purchases without over exposure to threats.
Moreover, this brief separation of the adults provides over-watch of one another and enables one or the other to spot trouble and summon help, if needed.
In the event a physical threat materializes while your hands are not free your voice will become your best initial defense.
First of all, make some noise! Screaming like a banshee at the top of your lungs will draw attention to yourself and the situation in progress.
People can't come to your aid if they don't know there is a problem.
While you are screaming, unless your cargo includes a small child you should immediately drop whatever possessions are in your hands.
Now is not the time to think of that collectible glass item drop whatever you have so that you are unencumbered and make every attempt to break free of your attacker.
Remember; plan ahead to avoid shopping during hours of darkness and unfamiliar neighborhoods when at all possible.
Take the steps now to make your holiday shopping enjoyable and safe.
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