Johannesburg, 23 November 2021 – The end of the year is in sight and we could all do with a well-earned break after a tough year. But, before you kick off your shoes and put a cocktail umbrella in your drink, here are four basic safety precautions that will help you fully relax on your holiday.
- PERSONAL SAFETY CHECKLIST
Protect yourself, your family and your valuables by being extra vigilant at your holiday destination. A good starting point is to look at what you plan on packing. Take only what you need to avoid being a target for thieves.
We know you’re excited about going on holiday, but advertising your plans on social media will highlight that you are away and your home is potentially empty. Sticking with phones, beware of connecting to public Wi-Fi, as these systems can be a security risk.
Limit the amount of money you keep on you, rather pay using a credit or debit card, and be vigilant if you need to withdraw money at an ATM. Consider personal protection services like RESQ1 and My Personal Lifeline, to help you handle any critical incidents that occur.
2. HOME CHECKLIST
You won’t want to spend your holiday worrying about how secure your home is, so hire a house sitter or ask a friend or family member to pop in regularly. This helps your home look lived in. A neat garden will also be less attractive to potential thieves, so do a little home maintenance, like mowing the lawn, just before you leave.
Test your security alarm and remember to inform your security company about your holiday plans. Keep valuables out of sight and lock irreplaceable items in a fireproof safe or leave them with someone you trust.
If no one will be living in your home when you’re on holiday, unplug appliances and switch off your geyser. With unexpected power outages a reality, install surge protectors and have an inverter, generator or battery back-up to power your alarm and essential lights.
3. VEHICLE CHECKLIST
Going on a long road trip? Ensure that you have a smooth journey by getting your car serviced before you leave to take care of major problems and repairs. One thing that is easy to overlook is your licence. Ensure that both your car and driver’s licenses are up to date.
Before you leave on your trip do a basic car check that includes: inspecting tyre tread (including spare), filling fluids (coolants, oil and water), and ensuring that batteries, brakes, windscreen wipers, seatbelts and lights (inside and out) are all working.
While the last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road, it could be a reality. Ensure that you have the following basic items in your car boot: jack, jumper cables, warning triangle and a first aid kit. Guarantee that you always know where you’re going by packing – and using – a GPS.
4. CYBER SECURITY CHECKLIST
Before closing the doors of your business, conduct a thorough security audit. You’ll want to check on-site security and possibly restrict access to certain areas that house sensitive information, in addition to updating defences and operating systems, where necessary.
It’s essential that all employee, client, customer and supplier data is stored and protected to comply with POPIA. All employees must also be trained on data security and cyber threats, and abide by a clean desk policy, which includes storing confidential documents in a safe place.
Physical assets, like computers, should be locked to desks, and you should consider encryption tools that prevent thieves from accessing data if a machine is stolen. Passwords must be complex, changed regularly and must not be written down where they are easily seen, as this is a security risk.
Before leaving for your trip, speak to your insurer to find out exactly what you are and aren’t covered for, so you have peace of mind while you’re on holiday. With a bit of common sense and a pro-active approach to security, you can avoid headaches and minimise any potential problems.
Indwe is an authorised Financial Services Provider. FSP: 3425
About Indwe
Indwe Risk Services (Pty) Ltd is a leading personal, business and specialist risk and insurance advisory business. With the founding company established in 1903, Indwe has a formidable history in insurance and is today one of South Africa’s largest brokers, delivering award-winning service to clients across the country. For more information visit www.indwe.co.za or phone 0860 13 13 14.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY:
Kerry Simpson
079 438 3252
