The December and January (just before school starts) holidays is a time to rest and recharge after a busy year.
The experts at one of South Africa’s largest armed response companies, Fidelity ADT says it is important not to neglect personal safety during this period, especially as it is also a busy time of year for opportunistic criminals.
But how to ensure your safety?
The first and most important step to take, is to regularly test your alarm, to ensure that it is in good working order. It is also a good idea to let your security company know what your holiday plans are, and how best to get in touch with you in the event of an emergency.
Additional security tips for holiday makers to make sure their residential property is protected and safe include:
- Cut back any bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates to your property, or provide places for criminals to hide.
- Inform your neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property.
- If hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach him/ her how to use your alarm correctly.
- If you don’t have a house-sitter, ask a neighbour or a friend to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer.
- Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home.
- Turn off your geyser and any unnecessary electrical appliances so you can save on electricity and be environmentally friendly.
Another Useful tip is to be to as discreet as possible about packing for a long journey as to not give any indication that your home might be unattended for an extended period of time.
Need to work and have kids staying at home alone? No worries. here are a few safety tips to consider:
- Keep doors locked and don’t let anybody in through the gate without checking with their parents.
- If there is an alarm system, teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use panic buttons.
- Show them where the list of emergency contacts is – including the 10111 number as well as a nearby neighbour – and explain when and how to use it.
- If your children have access to the internet and social media while alone at home, make sure that they keep privacy settings as high as possible.
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know. Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Your child should always tell you if an online contact they have never met suggests they meet up. Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.
- If a child sees something online that makes them feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: they should leave the website, turn off their computer and tell someone immediately.
- If they are heading to malls or restaurants, they need to look after their belongings and to look out for each other.
- They also need to be clear on the transport arrangements and never go anywhere with a stranger. Tell them to find a security guard in the mall if they are scared or unsure of what to do.
- If you get separated from your parents or guardians in the shops or mall, go to the nearest sales person or uniformed security officer and ask for help.
- Always walk or play with at least one other person.
- Always walk along streets you know.
- Never take shortcuts through bushes or empty areas.
Safe travels!
