2. Safety & Awareness

Have you been a target of crime? We certianly have. Looking at statistics, 80% of everyone we know has been subject to crime in some sort of way. 

How can we start 'Creating safety and awareness in the community' ? 

CRIME BUSTERS RSA WILL HELP YOU! 

We hope this blog-post is of help! 

The role of a neighbourhood watch group is to create awareness amongst residents about criminal actions. 

We at Crime Busters RSA Neighbourhood Area Assistance think you need MORE awareness! So that more people learn to open their eyes!

You should know what to be on the lookout for, how to monitor unpleasant behaviour and how to report issues. This will immediately produce results and increase the levels of safety for the community. It is important that the neighbourhood watch members are trained in fire awareness and know what to do when they encounter different types of fires. There are several ways in which the community can make sure that they are safe at home, in their cars and on the streets.

SAFETY FOR THE HOME

Secure windows and burglar proofing.

Secure doors and security gates.

Do not leave windows open when you are not home or sleeping.

Ensure that the home is well lit with security lighting

Install good quality locks.

Ensure good access control to your home (gates, peep-holes or intercom system)

Don’t leave keys in the garden, under mats or on a ledge.

Don’t label keys with an address or contact details.

Don’t give duplicate keys to domestic workers, contractors or strangers.

Don’t leave keys in a lock or within easy reach of a window.

BASIC KITCHEN SAFETY :

Steps you can take to prevent cooking fires

• Never leave cooking unattended.
  Two out of five deaths in home cooking fires occur because the cooking was unattended.
• Keep the cooking area clean.
  Always wipe appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
• Do not store combustible objects near the stove.
  Curtains, potholders, dish towels, and food packaging can easily catch fire.
• Always turn pot handles inward.
  Turning handles toward the centre of the stove can prevent pots from being knocked off the stove or pulled down by small children.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking.
  Fires can occur when clothing comes in contact with stovetop burners.
• Do not overheat cooking oil.
  Cooking oil can easily start a fire. Never leave hot oil or grease-laden foods unattended.
• Teach Children about safe cooking.
  Young children should be kept at least one metre away from the stove while older family members are cooking. Older children should cook only with permission and under the supervision of a grown up. Tell children of the potential dangers, particularly of unattended cooking.

What to do if a cooking fire starts

Pan fire: Put a lid on it ...

• If a pan catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan using an oven mitt, and turn off the stove burner. Leave the lid on until completely cool. Do not carry the burning pan to a sink or outside. Movement may cause the fire to grow, or cause hot grease to spill and cause burns.

Oven or microwave: Keep the door shut and turn off the heat ...

• If flames do not go out immediately, call the fire department. Opening the oven or microwave door allows oxygen to the fire and increases the potential for the fire to spread beyond the appliance.

Never pour water on a grease fire ...

• Water causes grease fires to flare and spread.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher at the kitchen door.
• Know how to use it. Only use it if you have a clear escape route and the fire department has been called first.

SAFETY TIPS FOR VEHICLES

Don’t leave valuables visible in the vehicle while parked

Keep doors locked (even when driving)

Don't display valuables like phones and wallets while driving 

If you are being followed, do not stop, drive to the police station

Don’t offer lifts to strangers or hitch hikers

Be vigilant when approaching your property gate or garage area

DO NOT leave the vehicle running if you get out to open or close the gate

Ensure parking garages and  driveways are well lit.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THE STREET

Leave valuable property at home (ear rings, jewellery, rings – locked up) when you go out

Never carry large sums of money

Don’t walk alone in dark spaces

Carry handbags with the straps over the shoulder and the bag held tightly against the body

Carry a purse / wallet in an inside pocket and never a back pocket

Use shop windows as mirrors to spot persons following closely behind you. Stop suddenly with your back to the window and that will in turn force them to walk in-front of you.

Be aware of potential danger at all times. 

Withdrawing cash at an ATM, put your money away safely before stepping back.

If you have any ideas on DIY home security, or tips on how to prevent home burglaries / safety tips please send your suggestions to crimebustersrsa@gmail.com and we’ll publish and credit the author. 

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Crimebustersrsa@gmail.com