Women\u2019s Month is an opportune time to focus attention on the safety of women of all ages across South Africa.<\/p>\n
A local security company said South Africans should use this period to refocus their efforts to keep women safe.<\/p>
\u201cLife is challenging for everyone, women included.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope that following these tips will help keep women safe while they tackle the daily demands they face,\u201d said Stuart Clarkson, managing executive of Fidelity ADT.<\/p>
He believes a very important start would be to always be aware of what is happening around you.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing distracted makes you a soft target.<\/p>\n
\u201cCriminals are always on the lookout for soft targets and will take advantage if you are not paying attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing aware of your surroundings and potential threats is the first and most effective line of defense,\u201d said Clarkson.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Top five crime trends you should be aware of<\/a><\/p>\n Driveway robberies on the increase<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He recommended cutting out distractions as far as possible.<\/p>\n This includes taking or making phone calls while driving, especially if children are in the vehicle.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile driving, make sure your doors are locked and any valuable items are placed under the seat or in the boot, out of sight.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are approaching your house, be on the lookout for any suspicious individuals and rather drive around the block if you don\u2019t feel safe. Trust your instincts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He added that intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and encourages women to trust their instincts.<\/p>\n \u201cIf a situation doesn\u2019t feel safe, it probably isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n \u201cIf confronted by a criminal, escape is always the best option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are able to, run away, yell for help \u2013 do whatever you can to attract attention.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the criminal is after your purse or other items hand them over or throw them in one direction and run in the other.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen possible tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return.<\/p>\n \u201cSave emergency numbers on your phone and try to memorise at least one contact number you can call in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember less is more when it comes to wearing flashy jewellery and carrying cash.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are taking a handbag, carry it close to your body and not dangling by the straps.\u201d<\/p>\n By exercising these precautions, Clarkson believes women can develop good safety habits that will assist them in avoiding dangerous situations.<\/p>\n \u201cI encourage women to not only use these tips, but to share them with family and friends.<\/p>\n \u201cMost importantly, if someone or something makes you feel uneasy, get away or get help immediately,\u201d he said.<\/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 <\/p>\n