I WILL BE CAREFUL

Okay, so the other day knowing the way our traffic is in Nigeria, a friend left home as early as possible on Monday morning, only for her to call to say she was attacked while she trekked to her workplace after alighting from the bus she boarded. She stated that her bag was collected which had her new phone, her purse with her ‘little makeup kit for work’.

You should avoid walking alone

These sort of attack has become so frequent, another was a lady who worked in a prominent Organization, she was attacked and killed; this time by a neighbor. Seeing all these, I think its time we (especially women) stand up and fight. Fortunately, Women are considered to be weak; this is where they have an edge. In a Society where women do not take self- defense tactics which could help them survive a delicate situation, self- defense should be taken seriously and taught in schools and organizations.

However, these are Primary precautions to be taken:

• When walking, be aware of those around you. If someone has been following you for quite a while, be suspicious.
• Avoid walking with large bags, backpacks or luggage. These items can be a target for pickpockets and thieves. Additionally, fumbling with bags can also distract you from traffic.
• If walking in the evening hours, try not to walk alone. Take a friend along.
• Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other valuables with you at all time or locked in a drawer or closet.
• Check the identity of any stranger who might be in your office. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, inform security or management immediately.
• Don’t stay late if you’ll be alone in the office. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation after hours, or ask a security guard to escort you.
• Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, broken windows, and doors that don’t lock properly.
• If you notice signs of potential violence in a fellow employee, report this to the appropriate person. Immediately report any incidents of sexual harassment.
• Know your company’s emergency plan. If your company does not have such a plan, volunteer to help develop one.
• If the company does not supply an emergency kit, keep your own emergency supplies (flashlight, walking shoes, water bottle, nonperishable food, etc.) in a desk drawer.
• If you work at home, in addition to making your home safe and secure, you should hang window treatments that obstruct the view into your office. You don’t want to advertise your expensive office equipment.
• Review your insurance policy—almost all policies require an extra rider to cover a home office.
• Mark your equipment with identification numbers, and keep an updated inventory list (with photos, if possible) in a home safe or a bank safe-deposit box. It’s a good idea to keep backups of your work in a secure, separate location as well.
• Follow the same caution with deliveries and pickups that businesses do. Anyone making a delivery to your home office should be properly identified before you open the door. Do not let the person enter your home. If you own the company, take a hard look at your business—physical layout, employees, hiring practices, operating procedures, and special security risks. Assess the company’s vulnerability to all kinds of crime, from burglary to embezzlement. Follow basic crime prevention principles, and work with local law enforcement to protect your business.
• Visit www.corporatevigils.com or call 08135269876 for more info on our security services.
• Would you rather start the new business year with us? Call today on 08135269876 for security services that works.