For children, the long mid-year school holiday is a welcome break, but for many parents – who have to work throughout – it\u2019s a stressful period of constantly wondering if your child is safe.<\/p>\n
There are some 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.<\/p>
\u201cIt is important that they know to always keep entry and exit doors locked, and that no-one is to enter the home without your permission,\u201d said Stuart Clarkson, managing executive for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a home security system installed teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use other security devices like panic buttons.\u201d<\/p>
He said it\u2019s a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts \u2013 including the numbers for the police, the local neighbourhood watch, your security company and a trusted neighbour – near the telephone and to explain to them when and how they must be used.<\/p>\n
These numbers should also be programmed on your child\u2019s cellphone.<\/p>\n
The cold weather means that older children are often confined indoors and that boredom quickly sets in.<\/p>\n
The usual solution: wanting to visit a friend who lives in the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n
If you are not able to drop your child off or arrange a lift for them, Clarkson suggested that you walk the route with them before they have to do it on their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cExplain that it is better to take a longer route down familiar streets where there is more activity than taking short-cuts across fields or through deserted areas or roads they\u2019re not used to.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the day, they must call you to let you know that they are about to leave home and again once they have arrived at their friend\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf while walking they find themselves in an unfamiliar street, they should look out for a police or security officer and never talk to or take advice or a ride from a stranger,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Shopping malls are far busier during the holidays and a popular hang-out for older children.<\/p>\n
If your child is going to a movie or to meet friends, Clarkson said they must be encouraged to look after their belongings and to look out for each other.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusy malls present a prime opportunity for pick-pockets.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need to hold tightly onto their handbags, wallets and cellphones.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n
10 tips for making your home child friendly<\/a><\/p>\n Nine must know tips to secure your home<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n