KARIBU KENYA - UNON - the United Nations Office at Nairobi

■ Good perimeter lighting.
■ Security bars on the windows, preferably fitted to the inside and set into
the walls.
■ Solid exterior doors, with strong quality locks and padlocks.
■ A ‘safe haven’ area in which all residents can fit in the event of a robbery,
with a telephone point and a radio alarm panic button.
■ Consider also installing an intruder alarm system linked to your backup
alarm system.
Security Within the Home
■ Try to get to know your neighbours and their house staff.
■ Keep dogs, no matter how small, as a deterrent to thieves.
■ Keep cash and valuables locked in a safe or another secure place, to which
only you have the keys.
■ Retain all ‘safe haven’ keys in your possession, and never leave them
where others can find them.
■ Change locks if a key is lost or you have to dismiss any of your house staff.
■ Make sure all your staff and babysitters are well acquainted with door
opening and telephone answering procedures.
■ Do not admit unscheduled tradesmen or other strangers onto your
compound, and make sure your staff inform you of any visitors they are
receiving.
■ Keep trees and bushes trimmed to make it more difficult for intruders to
hide themselves or to observe your movements from outside.
■ Never leave the house unattended and always lock up when you are out,
even for very short periods.
■ Keep your main gate locked at all times.
House Staff
■ Choose your house staff carefully and always ask for and check up on
their previous employment references.
■ Take the full particulars of each staff member, and photocopy their identity
cards.
■ Give each staff member clear rules of employment, and treat them fairly
without becoming overly friendly.
■ Try not to tempt fate by leaving cash or small valuables lying around.
CHAPTER 4: SAFETY & SECURITY • 21