Life is everchanging. It seems to become more chaotic the older we get and the more industrialized we as a society become. So, going into stores or malls isn’t as feasible as it once was. Consequently, online shopping has become more common, and in many cases, is the new normal.
Although online shopping is much more convenient, there are some downsides including the possibility of not getting exactly what you thought you were buying. Additionally, more intense downsides exist, such as safety concerns. To combat some of these concerns and ensure safety, Pembroke, Ontario, a small city in Canada, is using a handshake symbol as a new solution to ensure safety. Their idea, while unconventional, could prove to ensure the safety of thousands of shoppers. If proven successful, Pembroke may transform the way people undertake online shopping.
Handshake Symbols Represent Safety
A handshake symbol is showing up in parking spaces all over the city. Pembroke’s police department, Pembroke OPP, gave a statement regarding the new handshake symbol parking spots. “The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions,” the OPP said in the news release. “Creating a ‘community safety zone’ is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.”
Parameters of the Project
Amazingly, the handshake symbol spots, called “safe trade spots,” will be available 24 hours a day and will not require appointments. The way these spots work is simple. If you’ve purchased something online but have to pick it up, or pay, in person, the handshake symbol spots become a neutral meeting point. It’s important to note these spots will not be monitored 24 hours a day. This means there will be no police intervention, such as mediation or witnessing a transaction. In contrast, they will have available officers on the scene if a call or complaint is made to the city regarding a criminal matter. The area will be well-lit and conveniently located just off the highway.
Holiday Shopping
With the holidays upon us, things become even more hectic, and people often stop looking into all the transaction details. The handshake symbol spots have been developed in tandem with the holidays. Steph Neufeld, the safety unit’s captain, says, “The local launch of Project Safe Trade comes at an ideal time with the busy holiday season upon us. Online property transactions are ever-increasing and the UOV OPP is proud to be launching a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions,” He continues in the statement, “Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.”
Going Beyond the Handshake Symbol
The handshake symbol parking lots are a great start, but there is more the city has incorporated into the project. In particular, one Canadian resident and professional. Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, offers helpful hints. While seemingly obvious, they can be forgotten during an overwhelming time like the holidays.
Levy said, “Do your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they’ve sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past.” Also suggesting people, “Insist on seeing the actual device that you’re buying before you hand over any money. Insist that they power it on. Insist that you make sure it works before you pay for it.” This is a great way to avoid being scammed and wasting your hard-earned money on something that just isn’t worth it.
Other Safety Suggestions
Other recommendations include going with someone you know and trust when engaging in online transactions. Save all interactions between buyer and seller, this includes voicemails, emails, or text messages. Additionally, shopping apps like ‘OfferUp’ and ‘LetGo’ tell you they won’t reach out for personal information. They suggest you use caution when doling out personal information with limited or only necessary information.
Furthermore, they suggest that you have those conversations strictly in the app. This ensures the conversation is logged in a secure environment so you can avoid giving your personal information to a stranger. For Canadian residents, specific to the Pembroke area, seeking handshake symbol parking lots can keep citizens safe this holiday season. Moreover, they can help bring higher levels of safety in years to come.
Viral Bikini Beach Photo Reveals Inspiring Story When Viewed Closely
A day meant for laughter and adventure transformed into a harrowing ordeal for Aimee Copeland, a graduate student at The University of Georgia, back in 2012.
Eager for some excitement, Aimee and her friends embarked on a trip to a serene lake, enticed by the prospect of ziplining over its tranquil waters. The idea sparked instant enthusiasm among the group.
Yet, as fate would have it, Aimee’s moment of exhilaration turned into a nightmare when the zipline cable unexpectedly snapped, sending her hurtling down a cliff. Tragically, she lost a leg in the fall.
Rushed to the hospital, Aimee received devastating news from doctors: her wound had been infected by a virulent flesh-eating bacterium, Aeromonas hydrophila. Her life hung precariously in the balance, with mere hours to determine her fate.
Facing a relentless onslaught from the bacteria, Aimee underwent an arduous series of 11 surgeries to stave off the encroaching threat. Despite the valiant efforts of medical professionals, both her hands and legs succumbed to the ravages of the disease, necessitating amputation.
Undeterred by the cruel twist of fate, Aimee refused to let adversity define her. Four years later, she defiantly shared a photo of herself at the beach, clad in a bikini, radiating resilience and joy.
The image quickly became a beacon of inspiration, circulating across social media platforms as countless individuals lauded Aimee’s indomitable spirit.
Embracing her transformed physique with courage and grace, Aimee penned a poignant message, asserting the inherent beauty in imperfection. Her scars, she affirmed, were a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Today, Aimee stands as a tireless advocate for amputee and disability rights, harnessing her own journey to empower others. Amidst her advocacy work, she pursues a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of West Georgia, a testament to her unyielding determination.
Aimee’s story serves as a powerful reminder that adversity may bend, but it cannot break the human spirit. Her resilience is a testament to the triumph of the human will over life’s most formidable challenges.
Share Aimee’s journey with your loved ones, and let her story serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the face of adversity.
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