Parents and caregivers could use the shorter October school holidays as a chance to make sure their children know exactly how to be safe. Public schools are scheduled to close between 30 September and 11 October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe safety of our children has received a lot of media coverage in recent weeks,\u201d said Fidelity ADT\u2019s Head of Communications and Marketing Charnel Hattingh. \u201cThis holiday is the perfect opportunity to make sure your children know how to be safe and what to do in an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hattingh says parents could consider this shorter holiday as a \u201cdress rehearsal\u201d, ahead of the longer Festive Season break at the end of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is important they always know to keep entry and exit doors locked at home, and no-one enters the home without your permission,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you have a home security system installed teach them how to activate and deactivate it, and how and when to use security devices like panic buttons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts \u2013 including the 10111 number \u2013 near the phone in an easy-to-reach place, and to explain to them when and how it must be used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf they are out and about during the day, make sure they tell you when and where they are going,\u201d Hattingh said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can also invest in a mobile panic alarm service, which can be downloaded to their cellphones, and which gives quick access to any response services in case of an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 Hattingh says they must be encouraged to look after their belongings and to look out for each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBusy malls present a prime opportunity for pickpockets,\u201d she said. \u201cThey need to hold tightly onto their handbags, wallets, and cellphones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hattingh sums up the general safety tips which parents should reinforce:.<\/span> They must always walk with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take short cuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cellphones and iPads in full view..<\/span> If they are picked up they should never leave the premises, but always wait inside the school grounds or the mall itself for their lift to arrive..<\/span> They must never get into a stranger\u2019s car; even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them you would never send someone they don\u2019t know to fetch them..<\/span> Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help..<\/span> If a stranger approaches them they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout out that the person is not their mom or dad..<\/span> If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise their physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they are in. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later. .<\/span> Make sure your children memorise their full names, address, and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111 or other emergency numbers..<\/span> Teach your kids how to arm and disarm your home security system, and how to use the panic button to call for help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Parents and caregivers could use the shorter October school holidays as a chance to make sure their children know exactly how to be safe. 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