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Key Points
- Black Friday shopping can often lead to injuries, with visits to urgent care centers becoming a common occurrence due to the intense nature of the shopping day.
- The most common areas for shopping-related injuries are at the front door (due to crowd trampling), among angry shoppers, and when carrying heavy bags.
- To avoid injuries and maximize shopping efficiency, it's recommended to plan your shopping trips in advance, including which stores to visit and when, and coordinating with any shopping companions.
- Additional tips for a successful Black Friday include wearing comfortable shoes, ensuring your cell phone is fully charged, filling your car with gas, and bringing snacks to maintain energy levels.
- Despite the chaos of Black Friday, it's advised to avoid confrontations and remember there are other shopping opportunities, like Cyber Monday and Christmas sales, if you don't get the exact item you want.
In many ways, Black Friday turns shopping malls and outlet stores into cage fighting arenas. Armed with heavy purses, coupons, ads and thermoses of coffee, eager shoppers seek out bargains galore in the wee hours of the night. Sadly, they occasionally find more than they bargain for, and visits to urgent care centers have become a common during Black Friday shopping.
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Know the Danger Zones
Walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, and first responders have realized there is a common theme to the worst shopping-related injuries that bring consumers to their urgent care locations.
- The front door - Although being first in line is the dream of every bargain hunter, it is also a dangerous place to find yourself. Unless you are nimble on your feet and plan on breaking into a jog, there is the danger of getting trampled by the crowd behind you.
- Among angry shoppers - When the store sells out of the half-price plasma TVs in minutes, there are going to be unhappy shoppers. Do not get caught up in a mob that may escalate its behavior and either turn on those lucky enough to snag a bargain or those whom they identify to be somehow unsympathetic.
- Carrying heavy bags - If you have lucked out and gotten your iPods, iPads, and other iWares, remember that you become an easy target for those who have not been so lucky. In a tight crowd, it can happen that someone will try to wrestle your bags away from you and make a getaway.
Plan Your Trips
Since you are not only racing the crowds but probably also against the clock, it pays to plan out your Black Friday shopping excursion like a military operation. Know ahead of time which stores you intend to visit and at what times. If you go shopping with other people, make a plan for your group. Know where and when you will meet. If at all possible, divide the shopping sprees so that every shopper targets a different consumer good.
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Think of the Ancillaries
- Wear comfortable shoes - There is a possibility that your feet will get stepped on by over-eager buyers. If you have sturdy work boots or hiking boots, do not feel weird about wearing them. It is better to wear unusual footwear than to visit an emergency retail clinic with a broken toe or two.
- Charge your cell phone - Keep in contact with other members of your group via cell phone.
- Fill the tank with gas - You may be stuck in the parking lot for a while as everyone else is trying to clear out. Having a full tank of gas lets you keep warm and cozy with no worries about running out of fuel.
- Bring snacks - Although you may not think that after eating your Thanksgiving meal you could ever be hungry again, there is a good chance that your blood sugar will take a dip in the middle of the night. Have energy bars, yogurt, and fruit on hand for a quick healthy snack.
Shopping
on Black Friday is an event many of us enjoy and others dread. Above
all, avoid confrontations with angry shoppers and if you can't get the
exact item you've wanted, there's always Cyber Monday. Or, as the
Christmas holiday nears many retailers drop prices on the gift items you
desire even more than the prices offered on Black Friday.
Frequently asked questions
What are some common dangers associated with Black Friday shopping?
Some common dangers include getting trampled at the front door, getting caught up in an angry mob when a popular item sells out, and having your bags stolen when you're carrying heavy items.How can I prepare for my Black Friday shopping trip?
You can prepare by planning out which stores you want to visit and at what times, dividing the shopping tasks if you're going with a group, and making sure to wear comfortable shoes, charge your cell phone, fill your car with gas, and bring snacks.Why is it important to wear comfortable shoes on Black Friday?
It's important to wear comfortable shoes because there's a chance your feet could get stepped on by other shoppers. Wearing sturdy shoes can help prevent injuries like broken toes.What should I do if I'm unable to get the item I wanted on Black Friday?
If you're unable to get the item you wanted on Black Friday, you can try again on Cyber Monday or wait until closer to the Christmas holiday when many retailers drop prices even more.Why is it recommended to charge your cell phone before going Black Friday shopping?
It's recommended to charge your cell phone so you can stay in contact with other members of your group and call for help if needed.Why is it a good idea to bring snacks when going Black Friday shopping?
It's a good idea to bring snacks because your blood sugar could drop in the middle of the night, especially after the big Thanksgiving meal. Having quick, healthy snacks on hand can help keep your energy up.Why should I fill my car with gas before going Black Friday shopping?
You should fill your car with gas because you could be stuck in the parking lot for a while as everyone else is trying to leave. Having a full tank of gas lets you keep the car running and stay warm without worrying about running out of fuel.Why do visits to urgent care centers become common during Black Friday shopping?
Visits to urgent care centers become common due to the various injuries that can occur during Black Friday shopping, such as getting trampled, getting caught in an angry mob, or having your bags stolen.
