Celebrate the end of school safely

Matric learners across the country are already dreaming of celebrating the end of their school careers. Thousands will descend on party venues and holiday destinations up and down the coast to attend various Rage parties.

The Fidelity Services Group has called for these festivities to be safe and responsible. Charnel Hattingh, the company’s group head of marketing and communications, says that while safety is a priority for event organisers at many of these raves, everyone who attends should also take responsibility for their safety.

“Matrics deserve the chance to relax and celebrate. We hope that by following basic safety tips, they will enjoy these celebrations and have happy, positive memories at the end,” says Hattingh.

She offers these easy safety tips:
• If you are driving, consider installing a tracking app like Fidelity SecureDrive, where your location is updated on the mobile app every two seconds, providing real-time live tracking.

Knowing exactly where you are means that accident alerts can be received in real-time, resulting in faster emergency dispatching when every second counts.

• Theft alerts or panic button activations will save lives when response units are dispatched without delay.

• Before leaving your accommodation, ensure that anything valuable is locked away in a drawer or safe.

• Never carry large amounts of cash or wear flashy or expensive jewellery when out.

• If your accommodation is a holiday house or flat, remember to lock all the doors and shut the windows. If there is an alarm, activate it.

• When out, be aware of your surroundings and arrange with your friends to watch each other and your belongings.

• If a suspicious individual approaches you, walk away and report it to the closest security or the police.

• Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Spiking drinks is still rife.

• If you leave where you are staying, tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. Save that person’s number on your cellphone or memorise their details to contact them in an emergency. Save them as one of your ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts.

Returning to your accommodation:
• Never leave without your friends.

• Do not accept a lift from a stranger; use the transport provided by the event organisers.

• Driving after a few drinks is never an option. Call a cab or use event shuttles if they are available.

• Consider appointing a designated driver or someone who agrees not to drink and will be responsible for getting everyone home safely.

Hattingh urges parents and caregivers to talk to their kids about these safety tips to help prepare them.

“The reality is that these young men and women will be partying. Let us encourage them to do it as responsibly as possible.

“It might also be worth speaking to your security provider about available personal safety apps and services like meet and greets to ensure peace of mind.”