Security company Fidelity ADT offered easy safety tips for Grade 12 learners on their way to Matric Rage events, as well as everyone else who will be celebrating away from home in a possibly unfamiliar area.
According to Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT, learners and students are currently focusing on their end-of-year exams and all the pressure and stress that it entails. It is perfectly understandable to want to celebrate when the examinations are over, but it has to be done in a safe and responsible manner.
“Sadly, every year there are reports of deaths and injuries associated with end-of-exam parties. These are caused by road accidents, excessive drinking, drug-overdosing and other avoidable acts. Theft and vandalism often occur at these parties, and we are therefore appealing to everyone to party responsibly and never neglect their personal safety, she said.”
She offered these easy safety tips:
• Before leaving your accommodation for the day or night, ensure that everything valuable is locked away in a drawer or safe.
• Never carry large amounts of cash or go out wearing flashy or expensive jewellery.
• If your accommodation is a holiday house or apartment, make sure all the doors are locked, the windows are properly shut and that the alarm, if there is one, is activated.
• When at events and participating in activities, be aware of your surroundings and arrange with your friends to keep an eye on each other and their belongings.
• If you are approached by a suspicious individual, walk away and report it to the closest security person or to the police.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers and do not leave your drinks unattended. Spiking of drinks is still rife.
When it is time to return to your accommodation:
• Never leave without your friends.
• Do not accept a lift from a stranger; rather use transport provided by the event organisers.
• Driving after a few drinks is never an option. Call a cab or use event shuttles if they are available.
• Consider appointing a designated driver or someone who agrees not to drink and will be responsible for getting everyone home safely.
Hattingh urged parents and caregivers to have a conversation with their kids about these safety tips, to help prepare them.
“The reality is that matrics will be partying, and they have certainly earned the chance to blow off some steam. Let us 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,” she concluded.
