Purse Safety for Moms on the Go
By: Ashley Malfitano
Founder of Kinsey Rhea
Years ago, our family owned a boutique where we sold clothing and accessories for the whole family. We prided ourselves on maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained while parents shopped.
Our boutique wasn’t just a store; it was a place where families could feel comfortable and cared for. The children’s play area was a big hit, allowing parents to browse our collections without worry. We believed in creating a space that was safe and enjoyable for everyone.
During a particularly busy holiday sale, we were showcasing a new selection of concealed carry bags to a customer. Out of the blue, she looked surprised and asked, “How did you know that I carry?” We hadn’t known – we were simply highlighting our new products. It was then that we noticed she had placed her purse on the floor. This interaction sparked a vital conversation about the importance of purse safety, especially around children, and led to a list of important purse safety tips everyone should keep in mind—whether you carry or not.
1. Never leave your purse unattended
Leaving your purse unattended, even for a moment, can lead to theft. Busy shopping environments are prime spots for opportunistic thieves. Your purse contains valuable items such as your wallet, phone, keys and possibly even personal identification or credit cards — all of which can be quickly snatched if left unguarded.
Beyond theft, an unattended purse can pose serious risks to children. Kids are naturally curious and may explore the contents of an unattended bag, which could contain dangerous items like medication, sharp objects or, in the case of concealed carry purses, firearms.
2. Don’t hang your purse on the back of your chair
One common mistake that many people make is hanging their purse on the back of their chair in a public setting.
This makes it easy for someone to grab it and run away, and in an instant they have your purse and self-defense weapon all in one fell swoop. Instead, keep your purse close to you and place it on the floor or on your lap.
You need to have situational awareness when in public of where you set down your bag. If you go to the bathroom while dining at a restaurant, take your bag with you. The other guests at the table are most likely not aware of where you put your purse and won’t be watching it while gone. This is a big one!
3. Keep your purse close to your body
One of the most important things to remember when carrying a concealed carry purse is to keep it close to your body. This means holding it in front of you or close to your side. You can also tuck it under your arm to make it more difficult for someone to grab it.
Personally, I like to always carry my purse crossbody on my left hip. It is a habit, because I am right-handed and have my handgun easily positioned to grab with my right hand from my left hip where the purse is resting.
4. Use a purse with a built-in security feature
Some purses come with built-in security features like a lock or RFID-blocking technology. These features can help keep your purse secure and prevent someone from stealing your personal information.
Using a lock on a concealed carry handbag is useful and a crucial safety feature with small children around because it prevents unauthorized access to the firearm, reducing the risk of accidental injuries or misuse by curious kids.
Summary
In conclusion, purse safety for moms on the go is not just about protecting your valuables but also about ensuring the safety of those around you, especially children. By following these simple tips—never leaving your purse unattended, keeping it close to your body, avoiding hanging it on the back of a chair and using purses with built-in security features—you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and accidental harm.
Our experience at the family boutique taught us the importance of these precautions firsthand. Staying vigilant and mindful of where and how you carry your purse can make all the difference in keeping your essentials secure and your loved ones safe.
Ashley Malfitano is the founder of Kinsey Rhea, a brand dedicated to providing stylish and functional concealed carry products for women. She is a busy mom to three little girls and wife of a fireman, with a passion for entrepreneurship and a commitment to designing products that empower women in their 2A lifestyle. Kinsey Rhea is a brand by women for women at the intersection of safety and style. Ashley’s vision is that every woman deserves to feel confident, and their concealed carry purses let women bring fashion-forward peace of mind everywhere they go.