Follow-me-home incidents remain an ongoing concern. To help keep you and your loved ones safe, please follow these simple guidelines as you approach your destination:

Five minutes from home:

• Heighten your awareness and become fully alert to your surroundings.
• Put away your mobile phone to avoid distractions.
• Reduce the volume of your car radio or music.
• Open both the driver and front passenger windows slightly (about 3 cm from the top).
• Pay attention to external sounds and listen for anything unusual.
• Actively use all three mirrors – left, right, and rear-view.
• Take note of nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
• Ask children to remain calm and quiet.
• Request adult passengers to assist in observing the surroundings.
• Reduce your speed gradually.
• Keep your vehicle aligned with the road, parallel to your point of entry.

Be alert to:

• Suspicious individuals.
• Suspicious vehicles.
• Unusual activity.
• Unattended or suspicious objects.

Do not enter if you notice:

• Unknown individuals loitering nearby.
• Unfamiliar vehicles parked close to your entrance.
• A security officer failing to provide a clear signal.
• Unusual activity such as emergency responders on site.

Your safety is our priority.

24/7 Security Services – info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237

• Keep pathways clear: Declutter rooms to create more walking space and reduce the
  risk of tripping.
• Prevent slips and falls: Use anti-slip pads under rugs and remove loose carpets from
  staircases.
• Protect sharp edges: Cover furniture corners to prevent injuries.
• Ensure good lighting: Install adequate lighting in every room, including hallways and
  closets. Nightlights can improve visibility after dark.
• Mark changes in floor level: Clearly mark steps or uneven areas.
• Secure cords and cables: Use cord covers or position them out of walking areas.
• Add handrails and grab bars: Fit sturdy handrails to staircases and install grab bars in
  the bathroom.
• Make the bedroom safe: Adjust the bed height so that feet touch the floor when
  sitting, and place a lamp or light switch within easy reach.
• Arrange frequently used items within reach: Avoid climbing or stretching by storing
  essentials at an accessible height.
• Improve bathroom safety: Use non-slip mats in the shower or bath, and keep water
  heater settings at medium to prevent burns.
• Maintain appliances: Regularly service electrical appliances, especially refrigerators
  and dryers, to reduce fire risks and protect medication storage.
• Avoid hazardous cleaning habits: Never mix cleaning products, as some
  combinations release harmful fumes.
• Wear non-slip footwear: Use anti-slip slippers or socks on smooth surfaces.
• Keep a cordless phone nearby: This helps avoid rushing to answer calls.
• Consider a medical alert device: This ensures help can be summoned quickly in an
  emergency.

For personalised safety advice or assistance, contact 24/7 Security Services:
info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237

Be Alert at All Times

• When alone at home, ensure all doors and windows are securely closed and locked.
• Do not allow anyone onto the property without first confirming their visit with the homeowner (e.g., technicians, meter readers, or delivery personnel).
• Avoid going out to the gate when someone calls or uses the intercom – communicate via the intercom or from inside the house.
• Take extra care when putting out or collecting rubbish bins. Remain vigilant for suspicious activity and close and lock the gate immediately.
• Be cautious when hanging or collecting washing outdoors, as this may create an opportunity for intruders. Act quickly and lock the door behind you upon returning inside.
• Do not leave keys in doors or security gates.
• If a panic button is available, keep it with you at all times – ideally in a discreet location.
• Always know the emergency contact numbers and the address of the property.
• Never share information about the property, your employers, or household routines with anyone.

For further assistance, contact 24/7 Security Services:
info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237

• Inspect your electric fence regularly for damaged, broken, or corroded wires, as well as worn or damaged insulators.
• Prune trees and shrubs to prevent foliage from touching the wires, and clear away dead insects or debris that may cause grounding.
• Check that the wire tension is correct – loose or earthing wires can trigger false alarms.
• Replace the energiser battery periodically to maintain reliable performance.
• Verify that each fence zone corresponds correctly with the zone display.
• Test your electric fence regularly to confirm that the alarm activates as intended.

For professional advice or assistance with maintenance, contact 24/7 Security Services:
info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237

• Always keep children within sight and do not allow them to wander unsupervised.
• Only entrust children to responsible adults you know and trust.
• Never leave children under the supervision of other children.
• Do not leave children alone in a vehicle at any time.

Travelling Safely

• Ensure babies and young children are always secured in an appropriate car seat or with a seatbelt.
• Drive responsibly and avoid distractions.

Home Safety

• Child-proof your home or accommodation by keeping hazardous substances, sharp objects, and alcohol out of reach.
• Ensure all electrical wiring is safe.
• Secure swimming pools with an SABS-approved safety fence or safety net – ideally, both.
• Keep flashlights and batteries accessible in case of emergencies.

Outings and Public Places

• Before family outings, agree on simple safety rules – such as the “two giant steps” rule: children should remain within two large steps of you at all times.
• Remind children to always keep you in sight and call their attention back if they seem restless.
• Teach children what to do if they become separated:
• Look for a safe stranger, such as a parent with children or a shop assistant.
• For older children, agree on a meeting point in advance.
• Make sure they know your mobile number.
• Reinforce that they should never leave a mall or shop to search for you, no matter what anyone tells them.

Public Facilities and Groups

• Always bring young children into restrooms with you; choose well-lit facilities in high-traffic areas.
• Avoid leaving children alone in cinemas, play areas, or other public spaces.
• If older children go out without you, remind them to stay in groups. If approached by a stranger, they should shout, attract attention, and seek immediate help.

For further assistance, contact 24/7 Security Services:
info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237

At Home

• Lock all doors, switch on lights, and activate security beams as dusk approaches.
• Ensure that garages and garden shed doors are securely locked overnight.
• Use motion-activated lights to illuminate dark outdoor areas – criminals avoid well-lit spaces.
• Avoid leaving outdoor lights on during the day, as this may signal that the property is unoccupied.
• If travelling, install motion detection or day/night sensor lights to deter intruders.
• Keep your driveway well lit and free from overgrown shrubbery where criminals could hide.
• Store torches and spare batteries in both your home and car for emergencies.
• Regularly test electric fencing and panic alarms to ensure they are fully operational.

Running and Cycling
With reduced daylight affecting exercise routines, take extra precautions when running or cycling in low-light conditions:

• Wear light-coloured clothing with reflective details to remain visible from all directions.
• Use a headlamp or runner lights for both visibility and improved vision.
• Choose well-lit routes whenever possible to minimise the risk of tripping or falling.
• Run against the flow of traffic to see oncoming vehicles and react quickly if necessary.
• Be alert to headlights approaching from corners or busy roads, and avoid crossing until vehicles have passed.
• Exercise with a friend or in a group whenever possible – there is safety in numbers.
• Always inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time.
• Carry identification with emergency contact details – many sports garments include small pockets for this purpose.
• Avoid carrying mobile phones or valuables during exercise to reduce the risk of becoming a target.

For further assistance, contact 24/7 Security Services:
info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237