“This coming holiday is the perfect opportunity to make sure your children know how to be safe and what to do in an emergency,” said Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT.
According to Hattingh, there are some basic and practical safety precautions parents can share with their children regardless of whether they are left with a caregiver, domestic staff or stay at home by themselves.
“It is important that they know to always keep entry and exit doors locked at home, and that no one enters the home without your permission. If you have a home security system, teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use other security devices such as panic buttons,” said Hattingh.
It is a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts, including the 10111 number, near the telephone and to explain to them when and how it must be used.
“If they will be out and about during the day, make sure that they tell you when and where they are going. You can also invest in a mobile panic alarm service, which can be downloaded to their cellphones and which gives quick access to any response services in case of an emergency,” said Hattingh.
Shopping malls are far busier during the holidays and a popular hang-out for older kids. If your child is going to a movie or to meet friends, Hattingh said they must be encouraged to look after their belongings and to look out for each other.
“Busy malls present a prime opportunity for pick-pockets. They need to hold tightly onto their handbags, wallets and cellphones. It is also important that if they become separated from their friends they head straight to the mall information desk or to security and try to track them down from there.”
Hattingh summed up the general safety tips which parents should reinforce with their children:
• They must always walk to or from school or the shops with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take short cuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cellphones in full view.
• If they are to be picked up at school or at the shops, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the school grounds or the mall itself for their lift to arrive.
• They must never get into a stranger’s car; even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them.
• Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help.
• If strangers approach them, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout out that the person is not their mom or dad.
• If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle the suspect are in. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later.
• Make sure your children memorise their full names, address and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111 or other emergency numbers.
• Teach your kids how to arm and disarm your home security system, and how to use the panic button to call for help.
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