The beginner’s guide to starting a neighbourhood watch group As South Africans, the unfortunate reality is that crime is part of our everyday lives. This is why residents are stepping up and forming neighbourhood watch groups (NHW).
While a NHW member’s job should never include taking the law into their own hands, the success of neighbourhood watches lies in their very existence and presence in the areas they know best – as well as their cooperation and relationships with local police and private...
The importance of trauma counselling Trauma, according to the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), can be defined as a deep psychological wound that has a profound impact on the emotional wellbeing and everyday functioning of the sufferer. It can result from but is not limited to being a victim of viloent crime, family abuse, hijacking, rape, and even chronic illness.
What does trauma look like? There are long term consequences experienced by those with trauma, which can include: The sufferers’ thoughts become overwhelmed and consumed by the traumatic incident Concentration is incredibly difficult, if not impossible Poor...
Staying Calm During A Medical Emergency Many of us will likely bear witness to a medical emergency at some point in our lives, while few of us have professional medical training. While every medical emergency is different, there are a few simple techniques that most people are capable of that can be applied to improve the patient’s outcome and potentially save a life.
If you ever find yourself on the scene of a medical emergency, remember to do the following: 1 Stay calm Don’t let the chaos of the situation and the reaction of those around you panic you; and most importantly do not be afraid of the patient. He or she is more afraid...
How app-based security services can help address gender-based violence in SA Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa requires a multi-faceted approach. Technological innovations such as app-based security services can play a valuable role.
Finding ways to drastically reduce GBV in South Africa has never been more urgent. South Africa has very high rates of violence against women and victims of GBV. But these numbers have skyrocketed during the country’s COVID-19 lockdown period, which has lead...
Three Ways the Landscape of Security in South Africa is Changing With South Africa’s crime rates on the rise and the South African police force falling short in many ways, private security has long been a necessary and welcomed solution for many.
For years, the private security industry has operated in the same way – a crime occurs, and a security vehicle responds. This model, while incredibly effective in many ways, is not without its flaws. Firstly, only a lucky few are able to afford private security, and...
The Conversation About Safety Every Household Should Be Having
Fire drills and first aid courses – many of us have had to hope for the best while preparing for the worst at one time or another. However, there’s one area we often overlook when taking the necessary steps in safeguarding our future with the help of emergency...
The Beginner’s Guide to Situational Awareness Situational awareness is the practice of being aware of what is going on around you in an effort to ensure and maintain your safety. Sounds simple, right? Not necessarily.
While many of us may assume we’re already aware of our surroundings and potential threats, cultivating situational awareness takes practise and patience. Being actively aware and processing the sights, sounds, smells and people around us requires we expend more energy...
6 Ways to protect your home over the Easter weekend AURA has been experimenting with some of the latest technologies and security installations to help guide you as you keep your home safe during the festive season.
Whether you're staying home or going on holiday, there’s no doubt that the Easter Weekened comes with its own set of complexities. While you relax and celebrate, you also need to stay vigilant because unfortunately, crime increases during the holidays in South...
7 Ways to protect yourself in the event of an armed robbery As 2020 draws to a close, the financial and economic impact has become apparent. Unemployment has increased, leaving millions of people without an income - as a result a multitude of social issues have followed.
There are those that choose to actively search for work, perform part time jobs, create their own businesses, or simply just give up. Then there are those that turn to crime to provide the necessities for their loved ones. Throughout the last decade South Africans...
How smart technology helps to prevent crime Technological advances are drastically altering our everyday lives at an exciting and sometimes overwhelming pace.
While not all technological advances are changing lives for the better (targeted advertising is a case in point), smart tech is being used in several industries to fulfil some of the most basic needs, such as the need for safety and security. Technology companies are...
