August is Women\u2019s Month and ADT Security has some life-saving tips and advice to empower women.<\/p>\n
Emergency numbers:<\/strong><\/p> Theunis Kotze, general manager ADT inland region, said the key to safety is always to err on the side of caution.<\/p>\n \u201cTell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return.<\/p> \u201cSave their number to your mobile phone or memorise the details of the person to be contacted in the event of an emergency and save them as one of your ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember to avoid carrying large sums of cash, if possible.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, if you are taking a handbag carry it close to your body at all times and zip it up.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be tempted to put it into a shopping trolley, for example.<\/p>\n \u201cCriminals are opportunistic and will take advantage of an easy situation.\u201d<\/p>\n Distractions:<\/strong> Distractions can range from caring for the children, carrying shopping, to speaking on a mobile phone.<\/p>\n Candice DeLong, a former FBI criminal profiler, also highlights the importance of not being distracted.<\/p>\n \u201cIf walking by yourself, get off your cellphone.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of people think that being on the phone is safe because the person on the other line can call for help, but that rarely works out.<\/p>\n \u201cChatting can distract you.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is better to be aware of your surroundings,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n That said she does agree that if a women is walking by herself, she should hold her cellphone and be ready to make an emergency call.<\/p>\n Kotze said phone apps like ADT\u2019s FindU are very useful in a situation like this and great for personal safety.<\/p>\n \u201cBe aware of people around you when heading to your vehicle, especially at places such as shopping centres, petrol stations, ATM\u2019s and the likes.<\/p>\n \u201cEnsure that you take a moment to check the street before pulling into a driveway, be it your own or a friend\u2019s,\u201d he recommended.<\/p>\n Driving:<\/strong> \u201cNever drive with a handbag or any other valuable items on a seat or in the view of anyone looking into your vehicle from the outside.<\/p>\n \u201cTry and make your car a mobile-free zone so you can concentrate on your surrounds and keeping you and your family safe.<\/p>\n \u201cMost importantly trust your instincts.<\/p>\n \u201cWomen have great intuition and should listen to their instincts.<\/p>\n \u201cIf someone or something makes you feel uneasy, avoid the individual and leave the area,\u201d he said. She warns to look underneath your car before approaching it in a parking garage at night.<\/p>\n Also if you return to your car and see that a van is parked right next to the driver’s side, enter through the passenger side.<\/p>\n She said predators often use vans and will disguise it as a family car, even using \u201cBaby on Board\u201d decals.<\/p>\n Finally if you return to your car and it has a flat tyre, back away, return to wherever you came from (restaurant, store, etc) and call for help.<\/p>\n Once assistance arrives, approach your car.<\/p>\n If someone comes up to you, even if they are a woman and wants to offer help, politely say, \u201cNo thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n If a man, he could be a predator.<\/p>\n If a woman, she could be the lurer.<\/p>\n Public places:<\/strong> \u201cWhen using an ATM for example, it is important to shield your pin number and be alert to anyone watching you.<\/p>\n \u201cPlace your money in your purse\/wallet immediately after the transaction and close the bag.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time while using the ATM, cancel the transaction and leave,\u201d Kotze said.<\/p>\n He added that women need to be particularly alert after using the ATM to any person who may follow them.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you think someone is following you, immediately go to a safe location where there are people and contact the police.<\/p>\n \u201cWithdraw only money needed at the time and rather seek out ATMs located inside buildings, supermarkets or other busy locations,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n By exercising these precautions, Kotze believes women can develop very 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n Holiday safety tips for children<\/a><\/p>\n Elsburg police issue safety tips to the community<\/a><\/p>\n
\nOne of the major issues adding to crimes against women is that often women are distracted while going about their busy day.<\/p>\n
\nIf you are driving, Kotze said the first thing to do once you are inside your vehicle is to ensure that all the doors are locked.<\/p>\n
\nDeLong added some other useful hints when approaching your car.<\/p>\n
\nWomen should especially remain vigilant when they are in public places.<\/p>\n