Safe Hutt Valley’s top tips for staying safe this summer

A group of organisations working together to promote safety in the Hutt Valley have issued their top 10 tips for staying safe over summer.

The tips cover everything from safety around the home to how we use alcohol, and reducing violence in the community.

Top 10 tips for summer safety (in no particular order)

1. Shut and lock all doors and windows, even if you’re only going out for a short time. Make your home look occupied when you're away by using timers on radios and lights.

2. Domestic violence rates increase as holiday stress takes over. If you see a friend or family member struggling over the holidays think what you could do to help. Could you take the kids for a while, or make a meal or just have a friendly chat? A polite supportive enquiry to make sure they’re okay is more helpful than a judgment.

3. If you’re overwhelmed and afraid, don’t be scared to reach out. Find someone you trust to reach out to but if you and your children are unsafe, or in crisis, call the Police on 111.

4. Think about how you’re drinking – wait until the kids are in bed or focus on the kids this Christmas and don’t drink at all. If you do, make sure you organise a sober driver.

5. It is illegal to supply alcohol to someone under the age of 18 unless you are their parent or legal guardian or you have express consent from their parent or legal guardian. You could be fined up to $2,000 if you don’t follow the law.

6. When you buy new items like DVD players or TVs, don't advertise them by leaving the empty boxes out for recycling; turn the boxes inside out and fold them down.

7. You are more likely to fall in the summer months, as people spend more time at home and often on DIY and gardening projects. Take time to check you’re working safely before you begin.

8. Make sure you have an up to date list and photographs of your valuables and keep copies in a safe place. www.snap.org.nz is a free service that lets anyone record serial numbers and other unique identifying details of their valuable goods.

9. If you’re spending time around water this summer – whether that’s a swimming pool, lake, river or sea – remember to actively supervise children at all times.

10. Take some time out this Christmas. It can be hard to completely avoid conflict over the festive period but time by yourself for a bit can help.
“Staying safe over summer is really about good planning and management”, said Haydee Wilton, Safe Hutt Valley Coordinator.
“Christmas can be a really stressful time with lots of new hazards – being aware of these and keeping in close contact with your neighbours and friends will make sure we can all build safer communities.”

ENDS

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