It’s the school holiday, but be safe warns security company

Parents and caregivers could use the shorter October school holiday to make sure their kids know exactly how to be safe. Public schools are scheduled to close between September 30 and October 11.

The safety of our children has received a lot of media coverage in recent weeks. This holiday is the perfect opportunity to make sure your children know how to be safe and what to do in an emergency,” said Fidelity ADT’s Head of Communications and Marketing, Charnel Hattingh.

There are 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. Hattingh said parents could consider this shorter holiday as a ‘dress rehearsal’ of sorts, ahead of the longer festive season break at the end of the year.

“It is important that they know always to keep entry and exit doors locked at home, and that no one enters the home without your permission,” said Hattingh.

“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 like panic buttons.”

It is a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts – including the 10111 number – near the phone in an easy-to-reach place, and to explain to them when and how it must be used.

“If they will be out and about during the day, make sure 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 cell phones and 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 hangout for older kids. If your child is going to a movie or to meet friends 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 cell phones. 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.”

General safety tips that parents should reinforce with their children:

• They must always walk with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots, and never walk with cell phones and iPads in full view.

• If they wait to get picked up, 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 their physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they 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.