AS matriculants near the end of their exam period, there is much anticipation for the holidays and parties that will follow. Several big parties and festivals are being planned across the country for matrics.
“Sadly, every year there are incidents such as road accidents, drug overdoses, drinking and driving and more. There are also numerous incidents of theft of valuable items and vandalism. We are appealing to matrics to party responsibly,” said KZN’s district manager for Fidelity ADT Security, Ivan Govender.
Top safety tips if you are celebrating away from home in an unfamiliar area:
· Before leaving your accommodation, ensure that your valuables are locked away in a drawer or a safe.
· Do not carry large amounts of cash.
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· If your accommodation is a holiday house or apartment, make sure all of the doors are locked, the windows are properly shut and the alarm is activated, if a system is installed.
· Be aware of your surroundings and arrange with your friends to keep an eye on each other and your belongings.
· If you are approached by a suspicious individual, walk away and report it to the closest security personnel or to the police.
· Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave your drinks unattended.
When returning to your accommodation after a night out:
· Never leave an event without your friends.
· Do not accept a lift from a stranger.
· Do not drink and drive. Call a cab or use event shuttles.
· Consider appointing a designated driver or someone who agrees not to drink and will be responsible for getting everyone home safely.
“The reality is that matrics will be partying. Let’s encourage them to do it as responsibly as possible. It may also be worth speaking to your security provider about personal safety apps that are available as well as services such as Meet and Greets to ensure peace of mind,” added Govender.
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