The festive season is a time of joy where we look forward to celebrations, family gatherings, and holiday traditions. But it can also bring an increased risk for children from crowded public spaces such as shopping malls and home safety.

Parents must take all precautions to ensure the safety of their children this festive season, says Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity Services Group Head of Marketing and Communications.

During the festive period, children may find themselves at home for longer hours. “A child who is at home on their way may be confronted with burglars or strangers at the gate. It’s essential they understand what to do if someone they don’t know comes to the door or gate” says Hattingh.

Parents should remind children of the following safety tips

• Never open the door or gate for anyone they don’t know, even if the visitor claims it’s urgent or says they are sent by a neighbour or parent
• Do not engage in long conversations with strangers through windows, doors, or security gates
• Never reveal they are home alone. Instead, children can say, “My parent can’t come to the door right now.”
• If your child is going to have food or anything else delivered, bear in mind these delivery bikers are often targeted by criminals. A gate opening to accept the delivery is just the gap criminals need to get onto your property

• If there is an alarm system teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use panic buttons
• Show them where the list of emergency contacts is – including the 10111 number – and explain when and how to use it.

“Apart from a criminal element, there are other dangers that lurk around the home, like a fire breaking out or a medical emergency. If children are entirely alone at home parents must cover all possible scenarios and have some form of all-day security monitoring to make sure they stay safe.

“If a domestic worker or au pair is responsible for the children, they need to be on the same page when it comes to security protocols and know how to administer immediate care and first aid, for example.”

The basics of home security, Hattingh elaborates, includes things like remote security monitoring through a reputable security company, secure access solutions and fire detection systems.

Children and their caregivers must be schooled in the use of the home’s security system and know what to do and who to contact in an emergency.

5 other safety tips to communicate to children:

1. Don’t walk in the street or mall with your phone out and especially not with headphones on. Be alert at all times!
2. Go out in groups and always make secure arrangements when it comes to being dropped off and getting home again.
3. Don’t engage with strangers. A common modus operandi involves a woman asking a child walking home from school if she can use their phone for an emergency call and then jumping into a waiting car and speeding off, phone in hand.
4. Security gates must be locked at home at all times and the key removed.
5. Tell mom or dad if you see a suspicious car or people in your street. They can phone your security company to come and investigate.

“Another big factor regarding children’s safety at home is swimming pools. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in young children.

“We should teach young children that water can be dangerous, just like cars. Tell them not to go near the water without a grown-up, just like you don’t cross the street without a grown-up. It is dangerous. You should regularly reinforce this message the way you do all other household rules,” says Hattingh.

She reminds parents that their children are precious gifts and that while everyone wants to relax over the festive season, you should never relax personal safety and security routines.