Winter holiday safety tips

It’s school holidays and children are ready for a much deserved break after a busy term, but keeping them well occupied and safe at the same time can become a seemingly impossible task.

The three-week long school holiday is a welcome break for kids, but for many parents who have to work it’s a stressful period of constantly worrying about your child’s safety.

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.

‘It 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,’ said Martin Kriel, Managing Director of ADT Security’s East Coast Region.

‘If 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.’

It is also vital to have a list of emergency contacts, including the 10111 number, near the telephone and to explain to them when and how it must be used.

Walking to visit friends

The cold weather means that older kids are often confined indoors and that boredom quickly sets in, and the usual solution is wanting to visit a friend who lives in the neighbourhood.

If you are not able to drop your child off or arrange a lift for them, Kriel suggested that you walk the route with them before they have to do it on their own.

Explain 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’re not used to.

‘They must call you to let you know that they are about to leave home and again once they have arrived.

‘If 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.’

Malls

Shopping malls are far busier during the holidays and a popular hang-out for older kids.

If your child is going to a movie or to meet friends, they must be encouraged to look after their belongings and to look out for each other.

‘Busy malls present a prime opportunity for pick-pockets. They need to hold tightly onto their handbags, wallets and cell phones. It 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.’