Keep Your Loved Ones Safe

Safety awareness at home

When it comes to your home security, alarm monitoring and armed response go hand in hand to ensuring the safety of your property and loved ones.

Fences and walls

A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.

The primary aim of the fence is to make access or intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.

Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.

Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

The following devices prevent easy access:

• Window bars.
• Security doors.
• Security gates.
• Razor wire.
• Additional locking devices on doors.
• Strengthening of doors.
• Peepholes in the doors.
• Safety chains to doors.
• Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage.

Alarm systems

An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.

In the rural environment, a siren or alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch or panic button in the house, is recommended.

A few switches or panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.

An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.

Security lights

Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.

The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.

Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.

Safety precautions

Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.

Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.

If you leave your residence, inform your family and neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.

Vary your daily routine.

Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.

Remain awake for a while.

You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.

Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.

Report suspicious behaviour and information to the SAPS.

Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.

Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.

Information courtesy of the SAPS.