JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Domestic staff are often home alone for hours a day, while the rest of the household is away at work and at school. “For this reason, it is important that they are empowered with knowledge to ensure their safety and to know what to do in an emergency,” says Clive Humphrey, Managing Director of ADT Security Central Region.
He says there are precautions domestic staff can practice to enhance their safety as they commute to and from work, and while they are on duty.
“We encourage domestic staff at adjacent and opposite properties to get to know one another and, where possible, walk from and to public transport together. It is also a good idea to exchange cellphone numbers so that they can alert one another of suspicious people or vehicles.”
“It is important to always keep security gates on doors locked – they may not hear an intruder over the noise of the vacuum or know that someone has entered the house while they are in the backyard. The alarm system must always be armed when they leave the house; even if it is only for a few minutes.”
Humphrey stressed that anyone who arrives at the gate or door should not just automatically be let inside. “If there is any uncertainty about the individual’s identity, ask for proof that they are who they claim to be and, while they wait outside, contact your employer or the company the person says they are from immediately.”
He added that homeowners can play a role too. “Teach domestic staff how to arm and disarm the alarm system; they should ideally have their own code and password. Have a list of emergency contact numbers – including your mobile number – stuck on or near the phone. These numbers should be saved to cellphone memory as well. Discuss any safety concerns or security issues you are aware of with your domestic staff.”
