As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, ensuring personal safety after dark becomes increasingly important for South Africans. Autumn, with its early sunsets and often unpredictable weather, can pose unique challenges. Here are some essential safety tips to help you and your family stay safe during autumn:
1. Share your travel plans with someone you trust:
Always plan your route and share your plans with someone you trust. Whether you’re walking, driving, or using public transportation, letting someone know your expected route and arrival time adds an extra layer of security. Opt for well-lit, busy areas whenever possible, and avoid shortcuts through isolated or poorly-lit locations. If you’re using ride-sharing services, verify your driver’s credentials before getting into the vehicle.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings and stay alert:
Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones while walking. This not only keeps you aware of potential hazards but also deters would-be opportunistic criminals. If you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and seek help from nearby businesses or residences. Carrying a personal safety alarm can also provide an added sense of security.
3. Dress appropriately for the weather and stay visible:
Autumn in South Africa can bring unpredictable weather changes, so wearing layers and carrying a small flashlight or reflective gear can make a significant difference. Reflective clothing or accessories ensure that drivers and other pedestrians can see you more easily, reducing the risk of accidents. Also, consider investing in sturdy, comfortable footwear to navigate wet or uneven surfaces safely.
4. After-Dark Safety Tips At Home:
- Lock your doors, switch your lights on and activate beams the moment it starts getting dark.
- Ensure that your garages and garden-shed doors are locked at night.
- Criminals don’t want to be seen – motion detection lights are a good choice for lighting up your dark outdoor areas.
- Ensure that your outdoor lights are not left on during the day. It usually indicates that nobody is home for a prolonged period of time, and criminals scouting for a target will immediately notice.
- Ensure that your driveway is well-lit and clear of obstacles where criminals could hide.
- Keep flashlights and extra batteries in every room of your home, as well as your car in case of an emergency.
- Test your electric fence, the security barriers for your doors and windows, and panic alarms regularly.
By taking these precautions, You can enjoy the beauty of autumn while staying safe and secure after dark.
Why not give your family the safety and security they need at Mountain Ridge Estate in Paarl?
Mountain Ridge Estate, in Dal Josaphat, Paarl, offers you the opportunity to be the proud owner of a brand new quality house. With varying stand prices, different house plans and two levels of finishes, a tailor-made home can be built to each new owner’s specific taste and unique circumstances.
House pricing is done to deliberately be ultra competitive. Phases 1, 2 and 3A already sold out is testimony to this.
Mountain Ridge Estate is proudly pre-qualified for the FLISP subsidy. Be sure to contact Own Your Home‘s professional agents for further information.
Own Your Home has helped many South Africans become proud homeowners and we want to do the same for you.