PERSONAL SECURITY DISCIPLINES
o All the measures you take to protect your family is as good as the security disciplines you and your family have e.g. a security gate is useless unless it is locked and the key removed and secured! A series of small, but useful routines, correctly and conscientiously followed, will ensure that your overall security is the best it can be.
o Design a set of rules for the family. They should include key disciplines, escape procedures and routes, Inscape Door disciplines, safe havens, etc.
o Have regular family security meetings at which these disciplines are re-enforced!
Keys
o 'Key' disciplines are essential for preventing access to even the most conscientiously secured premises. Here are a few tips that will add to your security:
o 'Key' storage areas
o It is important to establish a specific Key Storage Place (e.g. key hooks behind a kitchen cupboard) for all household keys.
o Family members should be disciplined to always leave all keys in this place.
o The Key Storage Place must be inaccessible to outsiders, concealed from outsiders view, easily accessible to family members.
o Copies of all household keys should be kept in a central, well concealed Key Safe or secure storage place. Do not leave your spare keys in an obvious hiding place (Inside or outside).
o Family 'Key' Disciplines
o All keys must automatically be returned t their pre-determined storage places directly after use. This will prevent searching for keys when guests arrive or in the event of an emergency.
o All in the household should be trained to keep all security doors locked at all times
o Do not leave keys in the locks of any doors while they are open or closed.
o A "Slamlock" will be ineffective in an emergency if keys are left in the lock.
o Never mark your key ring with your address or other personal particulars.
o File off any serial or code numbers on your keys - do not make it easy for someone to obtain a copy.
o When servicing your car, always remove your house keys from your key ring.
o When you go out, take only the most necessary keys with you. Leave any others safely stored at home.
NEIGHBOURS
o Your neighbours are an invaluable security resource. If possible, make an arrangement with them, for you to keep an eye on each other's homes, perhaps formally through a neighbourhood watch programme or just informally.
o The assistance you could provide each other might include calling emergency services such as ambulance, police or your armed response company. Make sure that they have these numbers.
o You could ask that they simply be alert for anything suspicious, particularly when either of you are away at work or on holiday. Criminals are deterred if they know that the neighbourhood is on the lookout. Areas that have had a reduction in crime can usually cite some form of neighbourhood watch as a contributing factor.
o When you go away, arrange with a friend or neighbour to leave your curtains in the usual open or closed positions and mow your lawn for you.
o Leave a telephone number and contact address with neighbours or any other reliable person so that you can be contacted in an emergency.
o Ask your neighbour to switch on all your usual lights at night if you are not going to be back before dark.
o Ask them to collect your mail when you go away on holiday. A post box full of letters is an advertisement that you are away.
o Get to know your neighbours.
o To a burglar, an empty trash can mean you're away. Keep some trash on hand, and consider asking a neighbour to set out trash for pick-up at your house.
EMPLOYEE SCREENING
Many people have been deceived by a potential employee. They have employed a gardener or domestic worker in good faith only to find themselves 'cleaned out' a few weeks later, or worse, the victim of a vicious assault.
o When seeking a new employee, try asking around among those you know for any referrals they may have of persons that they know, who are looking for work.
o If you are forced to hire a stranger, never hire off the street. Use an employment agency.
o Be sure to check all references, remembering that these can easily be rigged by accomplices.
o Familiarise yourself with the Labour Relations Act and be sure to have a proper employment contract drawn up and duly signed by both parties. Make copies of all relevant identification documents, etc.
o Never leave money or valuables lying around. Even the most honest person could weaken in the face of constant temptation.
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