While the festive season is meant for fond memories, it may also bring with it dangerous situations, like hijacking and robbery.
Are you prepared? Do you know how to adequately defend yourself, your family and your possessions?
David Allen from Estcourt hosted an informative and interactive workshop where he demonstrated simple and effective ways to protect yourself when in an emergency situation.
Here are some of David’s tips:
Hijacking –
1. Park parallel to your gate, this way your vehicle cannot be boxed in by would-be hijackers.
2. Ensure that you have the keys to your home or vehicle in your hands. Rummaging through a bag could make you a perfect target for hijackers.
3. If you’re approached by a hijacker at a robot, weigh the situation and if you can, duck down and accelerate. Also do not make any sudden hand movements.
House robbery
1. Shout “Fire!” instead of help; this is bound to get the attention of your neighbours and passers-by.
2. If you decide to comply with the intruders, stand in a corner of a room, this makes you less intimidating.
3. Use emotive words and attach association to your words. Do not say “don’t kill me” rather say, “please keep me safe.”
Self-defence tips:
1. A kick in the shin is far more potent than a kick in the groin.
2. If you’re using a knife as a weapon, hold it with the sharp side facing upwards.
3. Vulnerable areas you can strike an attacker’s are the knee, throat and eyes.
Security tips for your home:
1. Have your street address displayed visibly on your home.
2. Install security gates in a passageway so that attackers cannot proceed into other areas in the house.
3. If you’re alone at home, keep a small dog inside.
4. Arm yourself with teargas and keep a spare bottle in your bathroom.
