Summer is a magnificent time to relish the numerous outdoor activities Gauteng has to offer with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere like the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam for a braai or picnic, with the warm sun overhead and the gentle summer breeze rustling through the trees, Fidelity ADT encourages you to prioritise safety. This is especially indispensable if you are venturing out alone or are a visitor to South Africa.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, reminds us that personal safety is a shared responsibility between the police, private security and other stakeholders, and each individual member of the public.
“It’s wonderful to explore novel places and see things through different eyes, but be aware that venturing into the unfamiliar does fabricate you vulnerable to getting lost or perhaps making a contaminated judgement call,” she says.
“Unfamiliar areas and routes may also be prone to rapidly changing weather or terrain, and many nature spots also carry out not believe excellent cellphone reception.
“To ensure any outing you undertake is memorable for the correct reasons and that you are able to secure succor in an emergency, it is advisable to explore trails in groups.
Steer away from isolated areas unless you are accompanied by a guide.”
She further offers these 10 tips for a safe outing:
1. Never hike alone; four or more in a group is safer.
2. Always show someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Send a pin location if you can.
3. Maintain at least one fully charge cellphone with you and enquire beforehand about reception in the area. Keep emergency numbers.
4. Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit and be aware of anyone in the group with a medical condition or allergy, etc.
5. Location your route and stick to designated paths to avoid getting lost. Allow for ample time to finish the hike before it gets murky. If you are battling in daylight, things are bound to become much worse if you lose the light too.
6. Don’t catch risks or shortcuts and always respect restricted areas – there’s a apt reason the sign says ‘no entry’.
7. Preferably don’t carry other valuables apart from a phone.
8. Be wary of everyone you advance across, especially suspicious ‘hikers’ who aren’t wearing hiking clothes or carrying a backpack. If a mugger confronts you, hand over your stuff without resistance. The mugger can be armed with a knife or gun and your cellphone or hiking boots are not worth your life.
9. Pack sufficient water and snacks.
10. Dress appropriately. Pack a warm jacket, no matter what the weather. The weather can change quickly on hiking trails.
Emergency phone numbers to keep on your phone:
• SAPS – 10111
• Crime Stay – 08600 10111
• Mobile phone emergency – 112
• The control room of your private security provider
“Let’s not beat around the bush – criminals seize advantage of any situation and enact appear on hiking or cycling trails and rob people. It is advisable to stay away from deserted picnic areas or isolated sites, and finish some research before deciding on your outdoor adventure.
“Even if you know the area like the back of your hand, rather be safe than sorry by taking the necessary precautions before you set off. This way, everyone gets to maintain special memories and returns home safely,” Hattingh concludes. “Much of what keeps us safe is nothing more than common sense. Delight in the beauty of summer responsibly and stay safe! ”
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