Home security is about more than just safeguarding your loved ones and your property.<\/p>\n
It should also include the safety of anyone who works for you, or carries out any work on your property.<\/p>
They are often home alone for hours at a time while the family is at work and at school, or they could be the ones looking after your children during the June school holidays.<\/p>\n
Fidelity ADT national marketing and communications manager Charnel Hattingh urged homeowners to make sure anyone who works on their property knows the basic principles of personal safety, so that they are familiar with how to act in an emergency.<\/p>
\u201cDomestic employees play an integral part in any home security system and it is critical that they are empowered and equipped to look after their own safety, as well as the safety of anyone else on the property,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
It boils down to asking three easy but simple questions, according to Hattingh.<\/p>\n
The answers will determine whether or not your domestic employees or contractors are properly prepared.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people do any kind of work on your property, you should ask them \u2013 what would they do if someone tried to illegally gain access to the property?<\/p>\n
\u201cDo they know where the panic buttons are, and how to call for help?<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is any kind of medical emergency, would they know how to respond?\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n The criminal advantage \u2013 be their disadvantage<\/a><\/p>\n EMPD pounces on alleged robbers after theft at Germiston Waste Depot<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Homeowners should consider enrolling any employees who may be working for them for an extended period of time, into local crime prevention forums which take place in most neighbourhoods every month.<\/p>\n These are often arranged by the SAPS or community members and teach valuable crime prevention and safety tips.<\/p>\n Fidelity ADT regularly hosts training sessions, aimed at domestic workers.<\/p>\n There are five points that domestic employees should remember, said Hattingh:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Be careful of having unguarded conversations about your employer or the property you are working at. You never know who might be listening.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be observant and speak up if you see something suspicious anywhere in the suburb.<\/p>\n \u2022 Use the camera on your cellphone. If you see something or someone that appears to be out of place, take a photo.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never allow anyone onto the property or indoors unless they have an appointment or if they have a legitimate reason to be there, and your employer confirmed it for you. If you have any doubt about someone trying to gain entry, call your employer or call the police. Don\u2019t fall for impersonators.<\/p>\n \u2022 Exchange cellphone numbers with other domestic workers at properties adjacent or opposite so that you can alert each other of suspicious people or vehicles.<\/p>\n \u201cTalk about security and safety issues with your domestic workers, gardeners and anyone else working on your property.<\/p>\n \u201cTeach them how to arm and disarm the alarm and find out from your security company about giving them their own passwords or alarm codes.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd lastly, make sure they know the basics of first-aid so that they can respond immediately and appropriately in any emergency,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/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 <\/p>\n