Stay Safe Through the Holidays

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

The holidays are upon us, and while it’s a lot of fun, now is the time to be extra vigilant in keeping you and your loved ones safe. People become extra busy, and because of that, are more vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.

One of the things people do more during the holidays is shop! Right? Check out these safety tips for shopping:

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

And in order to shop, you may find yourself visiting the ATM. When doing so:

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

And finally -you may not want (or be legally allowed) to carry a gun. But what you can carry is a Mace Brand product to help stay safe.

I really like the personal safety kit. It comes with a small pepper spray that is an effective and less-than-lethal means of self defense that you can deliver at a distance outside the reach of an attacker. It also comes with a safety training spray that uses water, allowing you to familiarize yourself with how to hold, aim and deploy your MACE Brand pepper spray.