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Chubb promotes the SOAP principle

Chubb Fire & Security South Africa has released a list of useful tips to ensure that the SOAP approach to safety and security (Stop. Observe. Assess. Proceed) achieves maximum effectiveness. Chubb Fire and Security South Africa is a part of UTC Building & Industrial Systems.

The SOAP principle encourages residents to be aware of any unusual behaviour or possible threats near their property:

• Stop to take note of your surroundings.

• Observe any unusual behaviour or incidents.

• Assess the level of threat posed by your observation.

• Proceed with the necessary action (i.e. call security or drive to police station).

James Havenga, group operations director, Chubb Fire and Safety said that residents commonly make the mistake of becoming too comfortable and not taking necessary safety precautions into account when entering and exiting their properties.

“Being aware of your surroundings is critical, and extra security measures such as automatic gate installation and route alterations go a long way in preventing crime,” said Havenga. “If you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or busy public area, such as a petrol station or shopping mall.”

In the event of a security threat, Havenga says that industry experts often say the most appropriate action may be to co-operate with perpetrators and not challenge them. “While this may be seen as counter-intuitive, industry experts note that the perpetrator is also nervous and will not hesitate to prevent being arrested or hurt at any cost.”

It is also essential to consider a reputable security company as back-up to deal with a possible security breach in the home. When choosing a security company, residents should verify that they are registered with the South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA).

“SAIDSA is the association for all security systems and CCTV service providers, and those incorporating signal monitoring and armed reaction services,” said Havenga. “Any member of the public can visit the SAIDSA website (www.saidsa.co.za) and make an e-mail enquiry regarding the registration status of a security provider. Companies that are SAIDSA registered comply with its minimum standards, covering all aspects of delivering monitoring and response services, and those not compliant can be reported.”

According to Havenga, another essential part of home security is testing alarm systems at least once a month. “When testing the security system yourself, remember to call your service provider before testing the alarm signal to ensure that the control centre does not send out a response officer for a false alarm.”

In the event of a fault with the alarm system, Havenga suggests addressing the issue as a matter of urgency. “Chubb provides a house-call service whereby qualified technicians are on call to service faulty systems in the most efficient and effective manner,” he concludes.

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