It includes the safety of your domestic staff who are often home alone for hours at a time, while the family is at work and at school.
According to ADT Security, in some cases domestic workers employed in homes with security systems have been found to be reluctant to press the panic button in a situation in which they feel unsafe, because they are worried that their employer will have to pay for the armed response call-out if it is a false alarm.
Clive Humphrey, MD of ADT Central Region, says it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
“I encourage residents to speak to their domestic staff about the importance of pressing the panic button, they need to feel confident that help is available should they need it,” he says.
Humphrey highlights different measures that domestic workers and gardeners can take to feel safer while commuting to and from work, and while on duty.
“Exchange cellphone numbers with other domestic workers at properties adjacent or opposite so that you can alert each other of suspicious people or vehicles.
“Never let strangers into the house or let them know that you are home alone,” he says.
He offers the following advice for homeowners:
* Talk about security and safety issues with your domestic worker and gardener.
* Teach your domestic worker how to arm and disarm the alarm.
* Have a safe room that can be used in an emergency. It must be equipped with a door that can be locked from the inside, a telephone and a panic button.
* Enrol your domestic staff in the local crime-prevention forums, which take place in most neighbourhoods every month.
These are often arranged by the SAPS or a community member, and teach domestic workers valuable crime-prevention and safety tips.
