'Black Friday': AlertID works to help families keep children safe on the busiest shopping day of the year
by jmaloni
Press release
Mon, Nov 19th 2012 10:15 am
"Black Friday," the day after
Thanksgiving, is the most anticipated shopping day of the year. It is also one
of the most anticipated days of the year for thieves and predators.
AlertID helps consumers
protect their families with "Black Friday" shopping safety tips developed by
The National Crime Prevention Council, and its symbol of safety, McGruff the
Crime Dog.
If you
are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select
a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask mall
personnel or store security employees if they need help. You can use
AlertID's "My Family Wallet" to keep up-to-date photos and accurate
descriptions of each child electronically. Should children go missing,
this information can be sent quickly to law enforcement when every moment
counts. Also, AlertID's secure social network can be used to create groups
with family members so that one can quickly send alerts to all of them at
once if an issue arises.
Do not
buy more than you can carry. Have your keys in hand when approaching your
vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in, and do
not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or,
if possible, take them directly home.
Be
informed about your surroundings and plan ahead by taking a friend with
you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car. One
can use AlertID's free mobile app to receive alerts about registered sex
offenders living and working in the vicinity of shopping venues.
Consider
alternate options to pay for merchandise, such as one-time or multi-use
disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction
sites. Wait until asked before taking out a credit card or checkbook. An
enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get account information.
Deter
pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a
coat or front trouser pocket.
Tell a
security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.
The same applies if you are using mass transit. You can also take a
picture with AlertID's free mobile application to report the incident to
law enforcement.
"Shopping
on 'Black Friday' is one of the most highly anticipated activities of the year
for many families," said Keli Wilson, mom of three and founder of AlertID. "By
keeping these tips in mind, everyone can help ensure not only a fun shopping
experience, but also a safe one."
To
sign up for a free account, or for more information, visit www.AlertID.com. Find more helpful safety
tips at www.NCPC.org.
AlertID is an established
leader in making the country's public safety information universally
accessible, helping people protect their families and communities. Alerts are
provided by trusted sources, including public safety agencies, local law
enforcement, schools, neighborhood groups, neighbors, family members and
friends.