Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday season—massive crowds, heavy traffic, early-morning rushes, and a surge in online shopping. For fire departments and public safety agencies, it also marks a predictable spike in preventable risks.

Community Risk Reduction (CRR) efforts during this weekend can make a measurable difference in keeping residents, visitors, and businesses safe. Here’s what to highlight during the Black Friday timeframe:

1. Parking Lot & Traffic Safety

Black Friday traffic is often at levels similar to large-scale events.
Common risks include:

  • Pedestrian strikes

  • Aggressive driving in overcrowded parking lots

  • Distracted driving while searching for parking

  • Congestion blocking fire lanes

CRR Message:

  • Fire lanes must remain clear for emergency vehicles—no exceptions.

  • Encourage drivers to slow down, stay alert for pedestrians, and avoid stopping in red zones or loading zones.

  • Set up PSAs reminding residents to avoid distracted driving while navigating malls and shopping centers.

2. Fire Lane Violations at Retail Centers

This weekend is one of the worst for blocked fire lanes and loading zones as shoppers “wait in the red” for passengers.

CRR Message:

  • Fire lanes are not convenience zones—they are lifelines during an emergency.

  • A blocked lane can delay EMS response during cardiac events, trauma, or fires occurring inside the store.

3. Store Overcrowding & Exits

Large crowds create issues with:

  • Blocked exits

  • Obstructed aisles

  • Overfilled stockrooms spilling into egress paths

  • Temporary holiday displays reducing egress width

CRR Outreach:

  • Virtual Business Fire Prevention Assessments

  • Partner with local retailers to check exit access early in the morning before doors open.

  • Encourage businesses to avoid stacking merchandise too high or too close to exits.

  • Remind managers that crowd control is an essential safety responsibility.

4. Lithium-Ion Battery Sales Surge (Fire Prevention Week Message)

Black Friday sees a spike in purchases of:

  • e-bikes and e-scooters

  • Power tools

  • Hoverboards

  • Phones, laptops, tablets

  • Battery packs and chargers

This increases the number of lithium-ion batteries entering the community, many of which may be:

  • Counterfeit

  • Poorly manufactured

  • Mismatched with chargers

  • Stored improperly

CRR Message:

  • Only purchase certified products (UL listed or equivalent).

  • Use only the charger that came with the device.

  • Never charge batteries on beds, couches, or overnight.

  • If a battery looks swollen, overheats, or smells strange—stop using it immediately.

5. Cooking Risks Increase

For many families, Thanksgiving weekend involves continuous cooking, multiple gatherings, and leftover reheating late at night. Virtual Home Safety Assessments can assist with this.

CRR Reminders:

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking.

  • Keep a kid-free/pet-free zone of 3 feet around the stove.

  • Never use water on a grease fire—smother it or use a fire extinguisher.

  • Keep oven mitts, towels, and packaging away from open flames.

6. Online Shopping Scams & Package Theft

Digital deals lead to increases in:

  • Phishing scams

  • Fake retailer websites

  • Stolen packages left on porches

  • Fraudulent “delivery attempt” messages

CRR + Crime Prevention (CPTED) Message:

  • Avoid clicking links from unknown senders.

  • Track packages using official retailer apps or websites.

  • Install motion-activated lighting or cameras for package delivery areas.

  • Pick up high-value items inside a store or use secure package lockers.

7. Heating & Electrical Overload

Residents often plug in:

  • Holiday lighting

  • Portable heaters for early-morning shopping warm-ups

  • Additional devices for visitors

CRR Message:

  • Never use power strips for space heaters.

  • Replace frayed cords and avoid daisy-chaining extension cords.

  • Unplug holiday lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

8. Home & Business Preparedness Before Leaving to Shop

People often leave the house very early or rush out quickly.

Quick CRR Safety Checklist:

  • Blow out candles.

  • Turn off space heaters.

  • Make sure stovetops and ovens are off.

  • Lock doors and arm security systems.

  • Ensure smoke alarms and CO alarms are functioning.

Closing Message

Black Friday is a great time for families and businesses, but it can also be one of the riskiest weekends of the year. A strong Community Risk Reduction approach—focused on prevention, education, and partnerships with local retailers—can help ensure this holiday season begins safely.

Brent Faulkner, MAM, FO, is the CEO and Founder of Virtual CRR Inc.
A retired Battalion Chief from Anaheim Fire & Rescue, Brent brings 28 years of fire service experience, including leadership in structure fires, wildland operations, hazardous materials response, EMS incidents, and specialized rescue operations. He also served 17 years on a Type 1 Hazardous Materials Response Team.

A defining moment in Brent’s career came while leading Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) efforts at a DHS-recognized Terrorism Fusion Center. There, he oversaw initiatives to safeguard critical infrastructure from terrorism, natural disasters, and emerging threats — an experience that shaped his passion for Community Risk Reduction and ultimately led to the creation of Virtual CRR.

Brent holds a Master’s Degree in Management, a Bachelor’s in Occupational Studies, and Associate Degrees in Hazardous Materials Response and Fire Science.