Prep up for the unexpected

No matter how serene your neighbourhood is, safety is an important precaution to prepare you and your family for unforeseen events:

. Never leave your main door or gate unlocked: You may reside in the safest community in the world, but it doesn't cross danger off the list. The less attentive you are, the more likely you may be preyed on. Always ensure your doors are securely locked whether you're at home or not. Remember to close and lock the windows at night.

. Do not invite strangers into your home: Almost every child is told not to talk to strangers on the street. However, the same also applies (to adults) in homes. If there is an unrecognisable person at your doorstep, be conscious and do not let them in. If someone seems to be in distress, let them know you will call the authorities for them but avoid opening the door. Do not let appearances fool you as people are capable of setting up a convincing act. Install security camera phones that will help you communicate with the person on the other side. This is a much safer approach.

. Keep your phone nearby: Ensure you have a second line or a mobile phone beside you so you can contact the police from the safety of your room in case of a break-in. Burglars tend to disconnect main phone lines ahead of time, so it's best to have a cell phone handy.

. Do not leave unnecessary electrical devices on: . or plugged in overnight - be it at home or in the office. Wires tend to heat up and can cause a short circuit, potentially leading to a fire outbreak.

. Be prepared: Practice an emergency drill with your colleagues and family. This will help understand better time management when it comes to evacuation, and also equip each person with the knowledge and responsibility without endangering lives in unforeseen events.

. Update and upgrade: Always make sure the smoke detector, fire alarms and water sprinklers in your office and home are working. Replace the entire system every 10 years as age can wear it out leading to malfunction. Also ensure that the fire-dousing equipment such as extinguishers is useable.

. Maintain a curfew: .especially for authorised personnel to enter a building and ensure everyone signs in. This can keep track of people entering the premises and help in tracking a culprit in case of an emergency.

. Keep your security cameras on record mode: Sometimes organisations leave their cameras on for authorities to keep an eye on hallways and rooms in a building, however, not all equipment is set to actively record all movements. There may be instances when you would need to use video footage for evidence and, if necessary, press charges against an offender. Not having actual footage of a scene may cause the company grief. 

. Adopt a fire safety cabinet: In a hot country such as the UAE, the temperature plays a big role in affecting electronic devices. There are times when uncontrollable weather can either spark a fire or cause a natural disaster leading to document loss. Place important files in a fire- and water-proof cabinet, such that it may be recovered no matter the situation.

. Cover exposed cables and wires: .with safety coating. If you notice a rip on a cable or wire, wrap it in a proper medium to avoid electrical accidents. Also, tie cables accordingly to avoid tangles. In any case, it's best to replace it altogether to prevent mishaps.

- farhana@khaleejtimes.com

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