What is Anti-Hijacking Situational Awareness?

Anti-Hijacking situational awareness is when you follow specific tips and measures to prevent this from happening to you.

Anti-Hijacking Situational Awareness should be part of our daily routine.  Here is only a few of many tips to “live” an Anti-Hijacking life:

• Most important thing when having a family and especially children in your car is to first try and get your family/baby/child/children to safety so the hijacker do not race off with your family/children in the car or baby /toddler buckled into his or her seat. First say that they can take everything and the car, you are just going to unbuckle or remove your child/children/family from the car.  Keep your key with you and out of sight, this is the only exception where you need to keep your car key with you (as a negotiating tool), so the perpetrator can take you car only after you bring your child/children or family to safety and removed from the car.
• ALWAYS remain calm, do not panic, lose your temper, challenge or fight the hijacker.
• Be co-operative and do exactly as you are told in a case where you are caught in this situation. Never resist as hijackers will most probably have some kind of weapon.
• Do not reach for things in your pocket or on the floor or any valuables, as the hijacker might respond and think you have a gun or weapon, keep your hands visible and first ask or communicate that you only want to reach for your purse or wallet or phone etc.
• Always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are. Be extra alert 2 km from your house.
• A large percentage of hijacking occurs in your driveways on your way in or out. Be very vigilant when entering or exiting your gate or driveway at home, and aware of all the surroundings around the property and car.  Stay in the car until your gate is closed and it is safe to get out.  When stopping and opening your gate, make sure you have a panic button or something handy and are aware so you can try to drive away if needed. Never switch off your car engine.  Ensure your driveway/entrance is well lit and keep your property well observed and clear from areas where perpetrators can hide.
• Always try to reverse into parking bays, so it is easier to drive off in dangerous situations. Your view and awareness are also better triggered when you can just drive forward and standing with your rear end parked first. This way you have a better view of the property and surroundings where you are parked.
• Always approach intersections and traffic lights slowly to first ensure there is nothing suspicious, this way you might still be able to drive in a different direction or turn around. If anything feels or seems suspicious, rather change direction sooner than later. Even if there is nothing to worry about, rather follow your gut.
• It is always best to keep your distance so you cannot be blocked as easily.
• Be unpredictable – the less your perpetrator expects they way you will react and what your next move will be, the more confused he/she will be and the less vulnerable you become. Never follow the exact same roads and routine daily, try to change things around so you do not end up following a specific pattern where you travel and time you will be or leave home.  
• Keep your car doors locked at all times so perpetrators cannot open your doors from the outside, should you be able to drive away.
• Ensure your property’s gate/s closes properly before leaving so you do not get surprises later.
• Plan your route and always know alternative routes…MOST IMPORTANTLY have all emergency numbers available and on hand at all times:

*Security Companies in Area

*CPF’s

*Police

*Ambulances

*Safe Houses

*Family and Friends on Standby

The above list is only a few tips of many Anti-Hijacking measures you can follow.

It is very important to have a plan in place and practice this with your family and children so everyone knows what to expect and do in such traumatic situation.

Anti-hijacking training is something everyone can or should consider.  Amongst a few other techniques to keep your own and your family’s lives much safer.  Rather be prepared and better safe than sorry!

Contact us at Milites Day Academy and book your Anti-Hijacking Techniques training TODAY.  We offer an entire list of safety and preventative skills that are there to benefit you, your family and friends.