Holiday plans are being made and excitement is in the air with the end-of-year break upon us.<\/p>\n
But have you factored in who will be keeping an eye on your elderly parents or grandparents during the festive season?<\/p>
\u201cCriminals often prey on older members of society because they are seen as vulnerable, soft targets,\u201d said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd while their safety should be a priority year-round, it is particularly important to ensure safety measures are in place when family, carers and friends are away for the holidays.\u201d<\/p>
Security is just as important for those senior citizens living in retirement villages and complexes as those in stand-alone homes.<\/p>\n
\u201cBreak-ins are not isolated to stand-alone homes any longer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA thorough security check of their homes and surrounding premises ahead of the holiday makes sense.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Keep these safety tips in mind<\/a><\/p>\n SAPS urge community to follow these safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf there are any vulnerable areas, these need to be addressed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t leave repairs or installations to the last minute when suppliers have already closed up shop for the holiday.\u201d<\/p>\n Besides checking the perimeter security, such as walls and gates, and testing that the alarm system is working, it is important to check that the locks fitted on windows and doors are of good quality.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you need to get an expert opinion, get a security person to come and do an evaluation,\u201d Hattingh said.<\/p>\n Panic buttons are a must.<\/p>\n \u201cTake the time to explain to your elderly friend or family member the importance of carrying the panic button on them at all times.<\/p>\n \u201cNot only can they call for help if there is a security incident, they can also raise the alarm if there is a medical emergency,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She added that there should always be a list of important contact numbers near the telephone or emergency numbers on quick-dial on a cellphone so that no time is wasted in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may also want to consider informing your security company that your elderly person is alone so they are aware and could do a drive-by or stop in to check that all is okay.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease encourage the elderly not to open their doors for anyone unless they have verified who they are.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an unfortunate reality that the elderly are often victims of con artists.<\/p>\n \u201cThey need to be suspicious of anyone who comes to the door with a story. Encourage them to rather call someone to come and check before letting the person in.<\/p>\n \u201cThis also applies to people who may call on the phone wanting personal information, asking for money, etc.<\/p>\n \u201cThey should never freely give out their personal details, including credit card details, identity or banking information,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n Hattingh offered the following additional safety tips for senior citizens:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 If you plan to go out, even if it is just for a short walk, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you are going to the shops, never hold your handbag dangling by the straps. Keep it tucked tightly under your arm. If you are only taking along your purse or wallet, either carry it in the front pocket of your trousers or in an inside jacket pocket. While shopping, never leave your handbag or anything of value, like a cellphone, unattended or in the trolley.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to be conscious of the fact that many elderly people do not go away for the holidays and will be at home alone.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s ensure their festive season is a crime-free one,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/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<\/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<\/div>\n<\/p>