Domestic workers get MAD
Ms Steyn spoke, in detail, on how cellphones can be both a lifesaver or one's worst enemy in an emergency.
Ms Penny Steyn has hit the ground running for 2017.
The founder of Making a Difference (MAD) Domestic Watch held her first session of 2017 last Wednesday.
The session tackled the use of phones in emergency situations.
Ms Steyn spoke, in detail, on how cellphones can be both a lifesaver or one’s worst enemy in an emergency.
She also gave tips on how to memorise emergency numbers.
“Too many crimes are happening through information from insiders in homes. This is nothing new, however sometimes information is passed on unwittingly. In some cases domestics are being bribed or threatened to give inside information to criminals. Police often reveal that there are way too many staff members who give out inside information,” said Ms Steyn.
Ms Steyn said domestic workers should know both their police station as well as patrolling vehicle numbers.
“The police station number is not one you phone when in an emergency, but for information. However, when you have tried all emergency numbers, you may then phone the station. There are two patrol vehicles in your area and you should have both the numbers on speed dial for when an emergency should arise,” said Ms Steyn.
She said it is important for people to not only know their addresses, but to also know the nearest intersection.
“The police will not be able to help you if they cannot find you. I also encourage employers to buy their staff members small and cheap cellphones to use only during emergencies. One is able to hide the phone, which must always have airtime as well as emergency numbers on speed dial,” said Ms Steyn.
Ms Steyn also taught domestic workers how to answer their employers’ telephones without giving out information that can be used by criminals to attack the home.
