Safety tips for the Festive Season
De Wet De Villiers
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Festive decorations are lighting up window displays; store aisles are lit with fairy lights, and malls show off ribbons and reindeers. There is an excitement in the air as children finish school and families prepare to go on holiday. Even at work, employees are focussing on completing projects to enjoy their long overdue vacation.
And just as everyone is preparing for warm holidays spent with family and friends, relaxing on vacation somewhere or even lounging at home, so too are the ever-present bad apples of society preparing to steal and plunder from unsuspecting victims.
In preparation for the Festive Season, we have prepared some safety precautions to ensure your holiday affair does not turn into a nightmare:
- Notify your alarm company that you are going on holiday or closing for the Festive Season and check that your alarm system and electrical fence is in a good working condition.
- Give your alarm and security company the name and number of an alternative contact person in case of an emergency.
- Install exterior lights, activated by motion sensors if possible, and use a timer switch to turn your lights on and off at random times.
- Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances, such as your computer or television, to protect them from power surges and your home from fire.
- Switch off your geyser. This will also save electricity.
- Check your home or business for any potential fire hazards and ensure that all flammable materials are stored away safely.
- Lock and secure all windows, doors, bolts and security gates.
- Safely store all valuables and jewellery in a secure location or safe.
- Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and that your tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and windows are in excellent working condition.
- Examine your spare wheel and invest in safety equipment, such as a reflective triangle, flashlight and first aid kit.
- Check your vehicle’s oil, water and coolant levels to prevent an unnecessary break-down.
Finally, remember to keep our emergency number at hand, or save it on your cell phone now, to ensure you can get hold of us if needed: 066 049 9766. We are here to help!
