Safety tips for domestic workers

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On June 9, Linda Goodenough of Fidelity ADT and WO Thomas Ngobeni of Alberton SAPS shared some advice to domestic workers of Verwoerdpark on what to do to avoid or prevent becoming victims of crime.

“There isn’t a magical formula which guarantees survival in any situation,” says Linda.

“The strategies I shared today can only make someone’s chances of survival better.”

The domestic workers were told that criminals know what they are doing.

“They are well dressed and come in groups with a leader that calls the shots, which you may not even know about,” says Linda. Some of the first advice she gave is when you are in danger to immediately press a panic button and/or let someone know what is happening.

“It helps to know help is on the way.”

According to Linda, if you are held up at gunpoint, you should never try to be the hero. You should try not to make any jerking movements.

“Nobody can run or drive faster than a bullet,” says Linda. If a shot has been fired, you should drop to the ground and remain motionless.

Linda warned the people present that children should be prepared for possible situations without scaring them. People should ensure they know how to dial 10111 if they need to and know their address and how the alarm works.

Linda gave the domestic workers some advice on what to do if you are walking to a shop or the taxi rank.

“This is not the time to be a creature of habit. Don’t leave or arrive at exactly the same time,” says Linda.

“Walk fast and with a mission without any disturbances, such as cellphones.”

She also advised them to split their cash to carry in different places and to only carry what is absolutely necessary.

If someone suspects a person is pretending to be someone he is not, Linda says they should demand identification.

“A blue light and a badge can be bought anywhere,” says Linda.

She says that everyone at home needs to know if a specific person is due to arrive.