A distracted mom with a cartful of groceries and restless kids screams, “Easy target” to a carjacker or thief. Practicing the following simple safety habits in a parking lot can help you keep your family safe:
• Avoid shopping at night if you can; dark parking lots present a much easier venue for criminals.
• Park as close to the store as you can; and under a light if it’s dark. Stay away from decks as these provide ample opportunity for a criminal to hide and surprise you, not only in and around your vehicle, but in the stairwells and elevators as well.
• Put babies and toddlers in their strollers or in a shopping cart BEFORE allowing young walkers to exit the vehicle. This will ensure that young walkers will have your full attention when they are in the parking lot. You should also hold their hand or have them hold onto the cart or stroller as you walk through the lot.
• Scan the parking lot as you exit the store. Look for loitering people or slow-moving cars that seem out of place. The vehicles could simply be shoppers who want your parking space; but look at them and let them know that you’re aware of their presence. If the occupants look suspicious, head back to the store to get a security guard.
• Look at the vehicles parked near your car. Vans with no windows may be a red flag. If one is parked on either side of your car, scan for movement in or around it. Then, enter your car on the opposite side.
• Have your keys out and ready and a plan for getting your items and your children into the vehicle quickly. Put your children (walkers, followed by babies and toddlers confined to strollers or carts) into the car first, followed by your purse. Lock the passenger compartment after they’re in, and then load your items. If your children are old enough, explain the plan to them as you are heading to the parking lot. Buckle your children into seatbelts and car seats after you have secured your items and safely entered your vehicle.
• Remain alert to your surroundings while approaching your vehicle and getting your children and your items situated. Criminals will wait for the moment that you seem the most distracted (for instance, when you’re buckling your child into a safety seat) to strike.
• Say a polite, but firm, “No,” if someone approaches you with an offer to help as you head toward your vehicle. If the individual does not get the message or you suspect foul-play, yell “STOP” or “BACK OFF” as loudly as you can. You can also push the security alarm button on your key fob to draw attention to the situation.
• Ask the customer service department to provide an employee escort to your vehicle if you do not feel safe leaving the store on your own. Most store managers are happy to offer this service to their customers.
Chances are, you and your kids will have a safe experience whenever you shop, but since moms who are distracted make easy targets for potential lurking bad guys, following these simple safety rules can discourage someone looking to do your family harm. In next month’s issue, we’ll highlight a few in-store safety rules that can help keep your kids safe.
FROM REVVED UP KIDS, LLC ~
Is your child ever safe enough? Visit www.revvedupkids.com to learn more. Follow them on Twitter for a daily safety tip texted to your cell phone. Go to www.twitter.com/revvedupkids to sign up.
