Page 6 - FWG_Issue 7_2022

Security

#4: Buddy Up
Avoid walking alone. When you are out, especially in the early
morning and late afternoon, it is best to have someone with you. If
you must be out alone, try to stay in well-lit, public areas.

#5: Always Be Prepared
When walking alone, carry a self-defence tool, like pepper spray or
a mobile panic button. Keep it at the ready, not tucked away in your
handbag.

#6: Don’t Be Flashy
As South Africa celebrates Never be flashy with items like your smartphone, purse, or
Women’s Month this August, 24/7 Security expensive jewellery when you are out and about. It can serve as an
Services encourages you to share these open invitation.

safety tips with all the women in your life. #7: Car Safety
• When walking to your car, have the key out and ready to go before
exiting the building – that way, you don’t have to dig in your
#1: Be Aware handbag when standing by your car.
Awareness is the most important line of defence. • Immediately lock your car doors once you are inside and begin to
Life is fast-paced and busy, and our minds may not be focused drive. It is not safe to sit in an unlocked car and turn your attention
on what we are doing or where we are going. Whether walking, to something else!
sitting in their cars, driving, or entering their homes, people • If you feel uneasy, ask someone trustworthy, such as a store
frequently have their heads down, paying attention to their employee or security guard, to accompany you to your car.
phones, unaware of who or what is around them. In addition, • If anyone asks for assistance with car issues when you’re alone, stay
many people, especially young adults, do everything with their in your car and offer to call for help. Do not get out and help them.
earphones switched on. It is impossible to pay attention to your • Ensure your vehicle is in a good condition and that you have
surroundings when all you can hear is your music, podcast, sufficient fuel before departing. Check the spare tyre and ensure it
video, or phone call. Keep your earphones out of your ears when is properly inflated in case you have a flat tyre.
in a potentially vulnerable situation. • Always lock your car doors and store your belongings out of sight.

#2: Trust Your Sixth Sense #8: Communicate
Humans have the gift of a gut instinct, sometimes called the Ensure that your cell phone is always fully charged before leaving
sixth sense. Unfortunately, many people overlook this instinct home. If possible, always let someone close to you know where you
or even label it paranoid or judgemental. It is best to trust your are going and your approximate timeline.
gut reaction if you feel a situation or person could be unsafe.
If you think someone is following you or acting strangely or #9: If You’re Harassed or Attacked
suspiciously, report them. Better to be safe than sorry!
• If you are harassed, project confidence and be vocal. Say what is
going on loudly, go to a public space, and ask for help.
#3: Never Get Too Comfortable • Escape is always your best option. Scream and run when possible.
It is important to remember that, just because you’re in a familiar • If push comes to shove, fight like your life depends on it because
setting, it does not mean that you are safer than anywhere else. there is a good chance it does. Do not be afraid to deal with the
The area around your home, your favourite stores, your regular potential legal repercussions of fighting or defending yourself.
walking route etc., are all areas where you may feel at ease, but Your priority is to keep yourself safe.
they aren’t necessarily safer than anywhere else. Stay alert and • If they tell you they won’t hurt you, don’t believe them. Most bad
be aware. guys are also liars.

Fourways Gardens • 4 • August 2022