Publications
Partners
(Picture: AFP)
Johannesburg - Shopping centres are gearing up for increased safety precautions for the festive season, according to the South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC).
“Firearm attacks in shopping centres are an unfortunate global concern, with incidents occurring in the United States, Canada, Finland, and most recently in Kenya," said Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC.
"In placing every aspect of safety and security as a top priority, management at South Africa malls strive to follow best international practice in dealing with any security risk, including the possibility of a firearm attack.”
Stops explained that essential preparations for each mall includes liaising closely their nearest police station to establish details of how police would respond to an incident. Having detailed centre floor and layout plans enable centre management to aid police, staff and shoppers in the event of an incident.
“Best practice dictates that, in the event of a firearm attack, shopping centre management’s first response will be to alert the police and other relevant emergency services,” said Stops.
"The next step is evacuation. Centre staff should not try to challenge an attacker, but aim to evacuate the immediate area as safely as possible without causing panic.”
Retailer staff should lock themselves and customers in safe areas, such as storerooms, until police have the situation under control.
“Shopping centres begin preparations for the busy festive season many months in advance,” said Stops.
“Effective safety and security procedures are just one of the many considerations undertaken by centre management to guarantee shopper safety and enjoyment.”
“Firearm attacks in shopping centres are an unfortunate global concern, with incidents occurring in the United States, Canada, Finland, and most recently in Kenya," said Amanda Stops, CEO of the SACSC.
"In placing every aspect of safety and security as a top priority, management at South Africa malls strive to follow best international practice in dealing with any security risk, including the possibility of a firearm attack.”
Stops explained that essential preparations for each mall includes liaising closely their nearest police station to establish details of how police would respond to an incident. Having detailed centre floor and layout plans enable centre management to aid police, staff and shoppers in the event of an incident.
“Best practice dictates that, in the event of a firearm attack, shopping centre management’s first response will be to alert the police and other relevant emergency services,” said Stops.
"The next step is evacuation. Centre staff should not try to challenge an attacker, but aim to evacuate the immediate area as safely as possible without causing panic.”
Retailer staff should lock themselves and customers in safe areas, such as storerooms, until police have the situation under control.
“Shopping centres begin preparations for the busy festive season many months in advance,” said Stops.
“Effective safety and security procedures are just one of the many considerations undertaken by centre management to guarantee shopper safety and enjoyment.”
