04 Dec Holiday season safety tips – December 2024

As we count down the days until the end of the year, it’s likely that you’ll be heading to the mall to do some shopping, and possibly also enjoying a much-needed year-end break, either at home or at a holiday destination. We have these handy tips to ensure that you and your family enjoy a safe, secure festive season. First of all, ensure that your insurance policy is up to date and includes any new household purchases, expensive gifts, home upgrades completed recently etc. Safety hints for holiday shopping Don’t let criminals ruin the festive season magic! If you are going to do some shopping for the festive season, you might be more pressurised than usual – either because of how much there is to do on your list, or because of the crowds. Remember: Park your vehicle in a visible spot with plenty of passers-by. Pack any packages or valuables out of sight in the boot before you pull into the parking area. Take the parking ticket with you, and be aware of the threat of remote jamming – test that your doors and boot are locked a few times before walking away. Try to shop at less busy times such as earlier in the day. Always be aware of your surroundings, and who is standing/walking close to you. Having your wallet, purse or mobile phone stolen could really mess up your celebrations! When drawing money at an ATM, cover the key pad and ensure that the PIN numbers you put in cannot be seen by anyone standing close to you. If you feel unsafe, walk away and come back when the area is clear, or ask a security guard to come with you. Stay alert – never shop while tired and avoid staying at the mall and shopping until you feel fatigued. Being frazzled makes you vulnerable. Try to shop with a friend, and avoid taking young children with you into crowded areas where they can become lost and serve as a distraction. If you are going away: Naturally you will have arranged a reliable housesitter or accommodation at a trusted facility if you have pets. If the house will be standing empty, turn off the geyser, unplug all appliances, take out any rubbish, and empty the fridge and freezer in case there is a power outage. Add timers to turn lights on and off, or install day/night sensor globes, especially for outside lights. Motion-sensor lights around the property are also a good idea. Test your electric fencing and also your security/alarm system – after notifying your security company that you will be doing so and giving them the dates that you’ll be away. Ensure your security company and neighbourhood watch have your current contact information and an alternative number if they cannot reach you. Inform your neighbours that you’ll be away. Ask them to keep an eye on things and to let you know if they see anything suspicious or worrying. Leave contact numbers for more than one member of the family (and maybe also for a trusted friend who will be staying in the area) for quick feedback/response if you are planning on leaving your mobile phone behind when you go to the beach! Don’t post too many details about your plans on social media – only share this info with those you trust. If it’s an extended period that the property will be unattended, notify your insurer. For the road trip: Take care of your vehicle before you hit the road.

• Get it serviced if there is anything you are worried about or if a service is due.
• Check tyres for tread and pressure, and inspect the water and oil levels.
• Ensure that the spare tyre, jack and toolkit are in good condition.
• Check that the windscreen wipers work properly for perfect vision even in bad weather.

Plan your route for rest and fuel breaks at busy, safe places – stopping at least every two hours is recommended for optimal driving ability. Ensure your first aid kit is up-to-date. Just before you leave, pack wet wipes, snacks and water, and a bag for any in-car rubbish. Check a suitable traffic app such as i-TRAFFIC to see if the route is clear. While you’re away: Here are some tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe while you’re away on holiday.

• Don’t take valuables to the beach. Don’t take them away with you, or lock them in a safe. When indoors, keep mobile phones, laptops etc away from windows and doors.
• Don’t walk alone in secluded areas, regardless of how safe it appears to be, especially after dark.
• Lock the doors and close all the windows at night.
• If you’ll all be gathered in one area, such as in the garden having a braai, ensure that the other side of the property is closed up.
• Don’t flash a full wallet around when paying bills.
• Always have a designated driver who’ll get you home safely after a night out.

If you’re staying at home: Keep your garden neat and tidy: overhanging branches can trigger alarms unnecessarily in windy weather as well as providing cover for intruders. Ensure that the area around your gate is well-lit and offers no place for criminals and hijackers to hide. Don’t place the packaging of luxury items you’ve just purchased on the road – that’s an advert to criminal elements that there are high-value new items inside! Keep tools, ladders, sporting equipment and gas braais out of sight from the roadside or even better, locked away. Most important of all – have a happy, relaxed and safe holiday season! Please note: The information contained in this article is not offered as ‘advice’ in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 2002 as amended, and policyholders should consult with their intermediaries and the policy wording so as to ensure a full and complete understanding of the cover offered to them in terms of the Safire policy of insurance.