STAY SAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

As South Africa's beautiful summer approaches, it’s time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy time with loved ones. While the festive season brings joy, it’s also important to remain cautious to ensure safety. The following are some tips to help you and your family stay safe, whether at home or on the road

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Vehicle Safety Tips for Travelers

If you’re planning a road trip, especially for long drives, take these steps to ensure a safe journey.

• Check Your Vehicle: Have a mechanic inspect your car's roadworthiness, with special attention to tyres, brakes, and  essential components.

• Tyre and Spare Checks: Ensure each tyre has sufficient tread, and that your spare is in good condition. Pack tools for a tyre change, a reflective triangle, and a working flashlight.

• Window and Wiper Inspection: Repair any chips or cracks in your windows, and check that windshield wipers are functioning well.

• Long-Distance Driving Precautions: Travel with a companion, switch drivers every few hours, stay hydrated, and take breaks every two hours to stretch and avoid fatigue.

• Prevent Remote Jamming: Before walking away, manually check that your vehicle is locked, and store all valuables in a concealed compartment.

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• Avoid Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous. Be especially cautious during the festive season when impaired drivers may be more common.

• Tracking Device: Check with AIB Cape if your vehicle requires a tracking device, and test it regularly, especially for long trips to unfamiliar destinations.

• Cross-Border Travel: If traveling outside South Africa, notify AIB Cape to ensure your policy will respond and check whether your vehicle requires a cross-border  insurance letter, especially if it’s financed.

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• Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance coverage, keep the emergency number on hand. Contact AIB Cape for more information about your roadside assistance plan.

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Home Security Tips While You’re Away

If you’ll be away from home, take steps to secure your property.

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• Check CCTV and Electric Fences: Ensure all cameras are well-positioned and functional. Trim any plants that could interfere with electric fences.

• Double-Check Locks: Secure all doors and windows before leaving

• Unplug Non-Essential Appliances: Unplug items such as TVs, kettles, and geysers to protect them from power surges and reduce energy consumption

• Prevent Fire Hazards: Test any generator or solar connections by a Professional Provider if required.

• Prevent Water Damage: Make sure all taps are turned off and there are no water leaks that could cause problems in your absence

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• Avoid Advertising Your Absence: Avoid leaving a voicemail or posting on social media about your absence. Use timers to turn lights on at varied times to make your home look occupied.

• Dispose of Packaging Carefully: Discard boxes from expensive purchases discreetly to avoid drawing attention to valuable items inside.

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Shopping Tips with Safety in Mind

Whether you’re shopping ahead of time or buying last-minute gifts, stay cautious. Criminals operate year-round, even during the holidays

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• Carry Minimal Cash: Avoid carrying large sums of money, and keep wallets secure in front pockets. Express Kidnapping, where criminals forcefully make you withdraw cash at ATMs is at an all time high. AIB Cape have various offerings for these incidents. Contact us to find out more

• Monitor Valuables: Be mindful of cell phone snatching, and don’t leave belongings unattended, especially in shopping carts

• Stay Alert with Children: Always accompany young children, hold their hands, and stay attentive in crowded places.

• Cyber Safety: Use secure websites when shopping online, avoid public Wi-Fi, and enable multi-factor authentication for added protection.

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In Case of Emergencies

Life is unpredictable, and things can go wrong. AIB Cape will have a dedicated team available this festive season to assist with any urgent Insurance needs.

This festive season, prioritize safety so you can fully enjoy the celebrations. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and have a joyful holiday season!

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