By Eddie Sorrells, CEO
As the holiday season approaches, communities and businesses across the country prepare for one of the busiest times of the year. While the season brings celebration, travel, and record-setting retail activity, it also brings unique safety and security challenges. At DSI Security Services, we are committed to helping our partners stay prepared, protected, and proactive during this critical period.
Retail Crowds & Black Friday Rush
Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday shopping season, and often the highest foot traffic of the year. Retailers may face:
- Large, fast-moving crowds
- Increased tempers and emotional stress
- Higher risk of theft, fraud, and organized retail crime
- Parking lot collisions and pedestrian hazards
To support safer operations, DSI recommends:
- Enhanced visible security presence to deter theft and maintain order
- Clear traffic and crowd control plans for store entrances, checkout lines, and parking areas
- Employee awareness training on situational observation, de-escalation, and incident reporting
- Technology integration, including cameras, remote monitoring, and analytics
Even small steps, such as improved lighting or designated waiting areas, can significantly reduce risk.
Holiday Travel & Facility Safety
As employees and customers travel more frequently, businesses should revisit:
- Access control measures, ensuring visitor logs, badges, and secured entry points remain consistent
- Emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and severe weather plans
- Inventory and asset protection, especially in warehouses and distribution centers experiencing seasonal surges
The holidays also bring increased package handling and shipping activity, making it more important than ever to monitor loading docks, exterior doors, and back-of-house areas.
Community Safety During the Season
Beyond retail and business operations, individuals and families can take steps to stay safer throughout the holiday season:
- Stay aware of your surroundings while shopping or traveling
- Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles
- Shop in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night
- Use caution when buying or selling on online marketplaces
- Practice cybersecurity awareness with holiday-themed scams and phishing attempts.
A little preparation goes a long way toward preventing crime and maintaining peace of mind.
DSI’s Commitment This Season
For more than 55 years, DSI Security Services has served as a trusted partner to businesses nationwide. During the holiday, and every day, our mission remains the same: to protect people, property, and peace of mind through exceptional service, highly trained personnel, and innovative security solutions.
