Safety Tips

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• • 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