General Safety Tips
Safety Tips
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
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- Do not attract unwarranted attention by openly displaying cash, expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables
- Carry your wallet, credit cards, passport and other travel documents in your inside and front pockets
- Avoid carrying large sums of money, particularly foreign currency
- Avoid strange, dark, poorly illuminated or isolated places
- Avoid travelling and exploring on your own
- Plan your travel routes beforehand
- Practise safe sex
- Carry certified copies of your passport, ID and travel documents
- Tag your luggage and belongings for easy identification and contract procedures
MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS
- Follow the applicable general tips above
- As for anywhere in the world, remember that your personal safety in a vehicle is strongly dependent on YOU. Make sure:
- All windows are fully closed
- Doors are locked (be careful of remote jamming when doing this)
- Gearlock is secured when parked
- Alarm is switched on
- Valuables are locked away – AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN TRAVELLING!
- Plan your route in advance
- Ensure you have sufficient fuel and that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition
- Fasten your seatbelt, lock your doors and keep your windows shut
- Avoid displaying valuables openly in the vehicle to avoid smash-and-grab crime; Lock your valuables in the boot (trunk)
- Be alert at traffic lights and stop streets
- Leave enough space around the vehicle for a quick getaway
- If you are softly bumped from behind and the individuals involved looks suspect, proceed to the nearest police station to report the incident – do not get out of the car.
- NEVER pick up strangers
- NEVER entertain the advances of street beggars and ‘ladies of the night’
- It is illegal to use your mobile phone whilst driving – use a hands-free kit
- At night, park in well-illuminated areas; when returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready to unlock your car
- If you are lost and concerned about the safety of the area you are in, phone 10111, 0829111 (24 Hours) or 112 on your mobile phone
AT YOUR HOTEL / ACCOMMODATION
- Do not leave your luggage and belongings unattended
- Store valuables in the hotel’s safe deposit box at reception or in your room’s safe
- Keep your hotel room and any sliding doors/windows locked at all times
- Never open your room door unless you have identified the person who has knocked on your door; if in doubt contact reception for verification
- It is advisable to hand in your room keys at reception when going out
- Do not entertain the unwarranted advances of undesirable, strange or suspicious persons; report such persons to management
- Use the main entrance of the hotel when you arrive late at night
ON THE STREET
- Follow the applicable general tips above
- If possible, plan your route before going out
- Where possible, explore the streets in groups and stick to well-illuminated, busy streets
- Beware of your surroundings; be alert
- Walk on or close to the kerb and face oncoming traffic
- Avoid alleyways and dense shrubs/bushes
- Use credit cards instead of cash where possible
- Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth
- If you require any information approach a policeman, traffic officer, security officer or shopkeeper
- Avoid jogging or cycling alone and at night – plan your route beforehand
- Vary your daily routine
- Should you wish to use a taxi ask your hotel or the local tourism information centre to recommend a reliable service
AUTOMATED BANKING (ATM)
- Follow the general tips and other street tips above
- Have your ATM card out and ready to use
- If you are suspicious of anything or anyone – cancel your transaction and leave immediately
- Avoid ATM machines which are isolated or poorly illuminated
- Never allow strangers to assist you with your transaction
- Keep your secret code to yourself and do not let anyone look over your shoulder whilst keying in your code
- When your transaction is complete, secure your cash and move off immediately; you can count it later
ON THE BEACH
- Swim at the beaches manned by life guards and between swimming beacons
- Avoid bringing valuables to the beach
- The African sun can BURN – use a high sunscreen factor sun-protection cream
- Do not take breakables (e.g. glass bottles) to the beach
- Avoid mixing alcohol and soft drinks before swimming
HOW TO REACT IN AN EMERGENCY
- Do not panic
- Think laterally
- Talk your way out of the situation
- Do not resist unless you know that such resistance will lead to your escape
- If your instincts are to physically resist – do not hold back
- If circumstances dictate that you must not resist, concentrate on noting the physical description and other notable features of your accoster
- In a robbery or hijacking situation – do as you are told
- Do not argue or challenge your accoster and do not look directly into his eyes
- Keep your hands still and visible
- If you need to undo a seatbelt – ask first
- Remember you can replace your valuables and your vehicle, but not your life
UMHLANGA EMERGENCY NUMBERS
- SAPS Durban North 031-560-8004 or 031-560-8009 or 031-560-8101
- Flying Squad 10111
- Crime Stop 0800 111 213