Security consciousness and safety drills a must at school and home
Heading into the new term, schools are advised to ensure that their security measures are in place. It is also essential that staff and learners know what to do in case of an emergency.
MALALANE – As schools increasingly use equipment such as tablets and laptops, or in the case of rural schools, computer centres, they can become targets for criminals.
Charnel Hattingh of Fidelity ADT urges schools not to keep a lot of cash on the premises and stated that it’s not only primary and high schools, but also smaller nursery schools and home playgroups or creches that can be targeted.
Schools need to ensure that their perimeter and entrance point security is in place. Some schools have sports fields or vegetable gardens on the premises and feature various entrances. It is important to consult with a security company about security weak spots.
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Many schools, especially in the rural areas of Nkomazi, have guards at the school’s entrance. It is important that schools check that these guards have no criminal record, are trustworthy and have been trained on how to properly limit access to the property to ensure the safety of learners, safeguard the school and what to do in an emergency.
Some schools also arrange with local security companies to patrol the area or be stationed at school entrances during peak traffic times.
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Learners, parents and teachers are urged to be especially careful during these times as criminals such as drug dealers and human traffickers usually look for opportunities to strike during these busy times.
Schools with alarm systems are urged to check these at least once a month.
It is very important that teachers and learners know what to do in case of emergencies. Learners should be taught what to do in case of a robbery or fire and this can be combined with a crime-awareness visit from the police or a demonstration by the local fire department.
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It is also a good idea to remind children what to do when approached by suspicious strangers like potential kidnappers or drug dealers. They should know where they can find safety, how they can report the crime and taught to take note of as much information on these strangers as possible to help police identify them later.
Hattingh stated that incidents at schools are fairly rare but that it is better to be prepared for ‘what if’ scenarios.
At playgroups or preschools that are run at homes, parents should take note of any suspicious vehicles following them. The gate should open and close quickly and parents or staff should be able to keep an eye on vehicles at all times.
Hattingh states that parents should also teach their children to be security conscious at home, whether they are on holiday or home alone after school.
