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Safe while at work

Domestic workers spend all day in homes while their employers are at work. It is therefore imperative that they are armed with information on how to protect themselves as well as their employers’ children and belongings against criminals.

ADT Security has introduced a programme called 'Domestic Watch', which is an educational course designed to prevent crime in the home.

During the course, scenarios are discussed and advice is given on how to deal with those situations, eg, when someone rings the intercom, domestic workers should not say: "This is the Smith's house," as potential criminals could come back and ask to see Mr or Mrs Smith. This will give the domestic worker the impression that they know the homeowner.

"The primary rule that we enforce throughout the Domestic Watch courses is that you cannot trust anybody," comments Paul Rossouw, ADT East Localised Security Schemes (LSS) area manager. "For example, if your security guard comes to the door, asking for water, domestics should not open the door as the guard may be held up at gunpoint and used by the potential criminal as a decoy to get onto the property. Listen very carefully for any sign of distress in his/her voice - if the situation does not seem right, domestic workers should activate their panic buttons or alarm systems immediately."

Another word of advice from ADT is that when answering the intercom, domestic workers should do the following:

* Ask the person to identify him/herself by name.

* Ask them to state their business.

* Ask them to show identification - company ID card, ID book or driver's licence.

* Verify - by calling the homeowner to find out if they are expecting the person or call the company the person works for to check if this is indeed a legitimate visit. Alternatively the LSS Guards can be called and utilised to verify the visitor's ID.

Domestic workers move in and out of the house all day - from doing the laundry to walking children home from school. ADT advises that the house be locked every time they go outside. "It seems like such a hassle as their hands are sometimes full but remembering to do this could save their lives," says Rossouw.

Domestic workers should also be supplied with silent, portable panic buttons, which can be worn around their necks and activated in an emergency.

Another important tip for domestic workers, gardeners, children and homeowners to take very careful note of, is - if someone manages to get onto your property, DO NOT try and fight them. "It is vitally important to remain totally calm and comply with their demands. Do not argue as that may cost you your life. Material things can be replaced, but life is a once-off," concludes Rossouw.

Other tips which could save a life in the event of an armed robbery:

* Do not make any sudden movements as this could lead to the suspect pulling the trigger.

* Do not try and fight the suspect as he more than likely has back-up.

* Listen for any signs that the suspects might have left and then sound the alarm.

* Do not try and be a hero at any time.

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