Going away this long weekend or for the holidays?
Taking a weekend or extended break is often associated with leaving the rat race behind, putting your feet up and not having a care in the world.
Sadly, for many South Africans, leaving their homes for a peaceful getaway ends in tragedy and trauma because they return to find their house cleaned out or they fall victim to criminals at their holiday destination.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head: Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT, says the mere fact people go to guesthouses and farms, lodges and chalets to “switch off” is what criminals take advantage of.
You need to remain vigilant, no matter where you are, she warns. In the rush to get out of town, it is imperative that you do not neglect a thorough security check of your home before leaving.
“Do not leave anything to chance. Ensure your gate is properly closed and secured and that all doors are locked and windows closed. Preferably, get a reliable person to come and turn lights on and off, open and close curtains and take care of your pets, so that it looks like someone is home,” Hattingh says.
“The most important is to arm your alarm system and outdoor deterrents, like electric fencing and beams. If these are linked to an armed response security provider, you will be alerted on your cellphone if anything happens at home.”
She reminds customers of private security companies that they can request extra patrols for the period they are away, for added peace of mind.
Then, arriving at your holiday destination …
Hattingh reiterates that no matter how safe the establishment promises the area and property is, guests should not be complacent. “Holiday accommodation spots are often targeted by criminals because they know people are more relaxed and can be taken by surprise. Sadly, this happens far more often than people are aware.”
She offers these 5 tips for staying safe at your destination:
1: Always speak to the establishment beforehand and ask specifically about security. Look for reviews online. Do not only rely on what their website says. Getting word-of-mouth referrals is always a good idea.
2. Take care of your valuables by locking them away in a safe or taking them with you when you leave your unit. Always lock up and close the windows securely.
3. If you are in a fairly remote area, preferably do not sit outside after dark. Bushveld fires and a little after-dinner tipple is wonderfully relaxing, but you can be vulnerable.
4. Ask the manager about panic buttons and emergency contact numbers. Remember, an emergency is not necessarily only a criminal attack – there could be a fire in your unit or a medical emergency.
5. Just as you should have at home, have a plan of action in place in case your family is held up on holiday. While it is difficult to stick to a script in such a traumatic event, it will help if everyone in the family, including young children, knows what to do and not to do. The main thing is to ensure everyone remains calm.
“Holidays should be about making lasting memories. By staying vigilant and keeping security top of mind – before you leave home and when you are on holiday – you can ensure your holiday memories are lasting for the right reasons,” Hattingh concluded.