Security Guidelines

1. Personal Safety Guidelines

• Avoid predictable routines: Vary daily routes, schedules, and activities whenever possible. Predictability increases vulnerability.

• Stay alert: Remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Be cautious of unusual activity or suspicious circumstances. If uncertain, avoid the situation until it is verified as safe.

• Apply procedures consistently: Follow personal security protocols, even when busy with work or social commitments.

• Maintain reliable communication: Always carry a phone with essential emergency numbers pre-programmed for rapid access.

• Trust your instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, do not proceed. Intuition often detects danger before reason does.

• Limit personal information sharing: Avoid disclosing unnecessary personal details to strangers or casual acquaintances.

• Know your environment: Familiarize yourself with residential and workplace areas. Identify high-risk locations and avoid them.

• Take responsibility: The most effective security measure is your own vigilance.

2. Residential Security Guidelines

These measures are designed to create a safe living environment for staff and their families. They should be applied regularly and updated as needed, depending on the type of residence (house or apartment).

a. External Lighting

• Residences should be well-lit at night, especially areas with vegetation or blind spots.

• Lights should preferably be operable from inside the residence.

b. Fences and Gates

• Ensure fences and gates are properly maintained to provide privacy and act as a barrier to intrusion.

• Gates should remain locked at night with high-quality locks or padlocks.

• Security guards should verify visitors’ identities before unlocking gates.

c. Doors

• Install strong, high-quality locks on all doors and windows, based on advice from a qualified security consultant.

• Fit doors with combination restraints and a quality viewer (peephole) to identify visitors before opening.

• Keys for locks should be stored nearby and accessible in case of emergency (e.g., fire evacuation).

• A free-handle escape latch is recommended for quick exit.

d. Receiving Visitors

• Always identify visitors before opening the door. Ensure adequate lighting for visibility at night.

• Do not admit unexpected visitors, especially tradesmen, without prior verification.

• Speak to unexpected callers through a locked door and ask them to have their manager contact you directly.

• If approached by someone in uniform (e.g., police), verify their identity through official channels before granting access.

e. Windows

• Use curtains or blinds to prevent outsiders from seeing inside, especially at night. Sheer curtains are recommended for daytime privacy.

• In high-risk areas, windows should be fitted with steel grilles for added protection.

• Grilles on escape routes must be unlockable from the inside, with keys stored discreetly for emergencies.

• Sliding steel grilles should be closed and locked after hours, with emergency keys accessible if part of a fire escape route.

3. Key Message

🔒 Security begins with awareness and preparation. By following these personal and residential safety guidelines, SWRCA staff can significantly reduce risks and help create safer environments for themselves, their families, and their colleagues.