SAFETY TIPS

Welcome to the rainbow nation of South Africa.  These safety tips are provided for your safety and that of your loved ones.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

• Do not attract unwarranted attention by openly displaying cash, expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables.
• Carry your wallet, credit cards, passport and other travel documents in your inside and front pockets.
• Avoid carrying large sums of money, particularly foreign currency.
• Avoid strange, dark, poorly illuminated or isolated places.
• Avoid traveling and exploring on your own.
• Plan your travel routes before hand.
• Practice safe sex.
• Carry certified copies of your passport, ID and travel documents.
• Tag your luggage and belongings for easy identification and contract procedures.

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS

• Follow the applicable general tips above.
• As in anywhere in the world, remember that your personal safety in a vehicle is strongly dependent on YOU.   Make sure :
  * All windows are fully closed
  * Doors are locked
  * Gearlock is secured when parked
  * Alarm is switched on
  * Valuables are locked away - AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN TRAVELING!
• Plan your route in advance.
• Ensure you have sufficient fuel and that your vehicle is ina roadworthy condition.
• Fasten your seatbelt, lock your doors and keep your windows shut.
• Avoid displaying valuables openly in the vehicle to avoid smash-and-grab crime.  Lock your valuables in the boot (trunk).
• Be alert at traffic lights and stop streets.  Leave enough space around the vehicle for a quick getaway.
• If you are softly bumped from behind and the individuals involved looks suspect, proceed to the nearest police station to report the incident - do not get out of the car.
• NEVER pick up strangers.
• NEVER entertain the advances of street beggars and "ladies of the night".
• It is illegal to use your cell phone whilst driving - use a hands free kit.
• At night, park in well illuminated areas.  When returning to your vehicle, have your keys ready to unlock your car.
• If you are lost and concerned about the safety of the area you are in, Phone 10111, 0829111 (24 Hours) or 112 on your cell phone.

AT YOUR HOTEL / ACCOMMODATION

• Do not leave your luggage and belongings unattended.
• Store valuables in the hotel's safe deposit box at reception or in your room's safe.
• Keep your hotel room and any sliding doors/windows locked at all times.
• Never open your room door unless you have identified the person who has knocked on your door.  If in doubt contact reception for verification.
• It is advisable to hand your keys of your room at reception when going out.
• Do not entertain the unwarranted advances of undesirable, strange or suspicious persons.  Report such persons to management.
• Use the main entrance of the hotel when you arrive late at night.

ON THE STREET

• Follow the applicable general tips above.
• If possible, plan your route before.
• Where possible, explore the streets in groups and stick to well illuminated, busy streets.
• Beware of your surroundings, be alert.
• Walk on or close to the curb and face on-coming traffic.  Avoid alley-ways and dense shrubs/bushes.
• Use credit cards instead of cash where possible.
• Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.
• If you require any information approach a policeman, traffic officer, Security officer or shopkeeper.
• Avoid jogging or cycling alone and at night - plan your route before hand.  Vary your daily routine.
• Should you wish to use a taxi, your hotel or the local tourism information centre will recommend a reliable service to you.

AUTOMATED BANKING (ATM)

• Follow the general tips and other street tips above.
• Have your ATM card out and ready to use.
• If you are suspicious of anything or anyone - cancel your transaction and leave immediately.
• Avoid ATM machines which are isolated or poorly illuminated.
• Never allow strangers to assist you with your transaction.
• Keep your secret code to yourself and do not let anyone look over your shoulder whilst keying in your code.
• When your transaction is complete, secure your cash and move off immediately.  You can count it later.

ON THE BEACH

• Swim at the beaches manned by life guards and between swimming beacons.
• Avoid bringing valuables to the beach.
• The African Sun can BURN - use a high sunscreen factor sun protection cream.
• Do not take breakables (e.g. glass bottles) to the beach.
• Avoid mixing alcohol and soft drinks.

HOW TO REACT IN AN EMERGENCY

• Do not panic.  Think laterally.  Talk your way out of the situation.
• Do not resist unless you know that such resistance will lead to your escape.
• If your instincts are to physically resist - do not hold back.
• If circumstances dictate that you must not resist, concentrate on noting the physical description and other notable features of your accoster.
• In a robbery or hi-jacking situation - do as you are told.  Do not argue or challenge your accoster and do not look directly into his eyes.  Keep your hands still and visible.  If you need to undo a seatbelt - ask first.
• Remember you can replace your valuables and your vehicle, but not your life.

UMHLANGA EMERGENCY NUMBERS

SAPS Durban North

031 - 560 8004
031 - 560 8009
031 - 560 8101

Flying Squad

10111

Crime Stop

0800 11 12 13