Showing posts with label Be safe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Be safe. Show all posts

Monday, November 16, 2015

Prevention of Slip, Trips & Falls



Why is prevention of slips, trips and falls important?
In Canada over 42,000 workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about 17% of the "time-loss injuries" that were accepted by workers' compensation boards or commissions across Canada (based on statistics from Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada, 2011).

How do falls happen?
Statistics show that the majority (66%) of falls happen on the same level resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 34% are falls from a height.

Slips
Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:
  • wet or oily surfaces
  • occasional spills
  • weather hazards
  • loose, unanchored rugs or mats
  • flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas

Trips
Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:
  • obstructed view
  • poor lighting
  • clutter in your way
  • wrinkled carpeting
  • uncovered cables
  • bottom drawers not being closed
  • uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces

How to prevent falls due to slips and trips?
Both slips and trips result from some a kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall accidents.

Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:
  • cleaning all spills immediately
  • marking spills and wet areas
  • mopping or sweeping debris from floors
  • removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter
  • securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat
  • always closing file cabinet or storage drawers
  • covering cables that cross walkways
  • keeping working areas and walkways well lit
  • replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches

Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective.

Flooring
Changing or modifying walking surfaces is the next level of preventing slip and trips. Recoating or replacing floors, installing mats, pressure-sensitive abrasive strips or abrasive-filled paint-on coating and metal or synthetic decking can further improve safety and reduce risk of falling. However, it is critical to remember that high-tech flooring requires good housekeeping as much as any other flooring. In addition, resilient, non-slippery flooring prevents or reduces foot fatigue and contributes to slip prevention measures.

Footwear
In workplaces where floors may be oily or wet or where workers spend considerable time outdoors, prevention of fall accidents should focus on selecting proper footwear. Since there is no footwear with anti-slip properties for every condition, consultation with manufacturers' is highly recommended.  Properly fitting footwear increases comfort and prevents fatigue which, in turn, improves safety for the employee.

What can you do to avoid falling at work?

You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:
  • taking your time and paying attention to where you are going
  • adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing
  • walking with the feet pointed slightly outward
  • making wide turns at corners

You can reduce the risk of tripping by:
  • keeping walking areas clear from clutter or obstructions
  • keeping flooring in good condition
  • always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks
  • using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light
  • ensuring that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Detect Deter Report


It was 4 am and Security Guard (SG) Keith was making his rounds, when he encountered an open door leading to the employee parking lot. Upon further inspection he noticed that the door had been propped open using a folded piece of cardboard. So he immediately took photographic evidence of the open door and then stepped outside to survey the parking lot to see if he could view anyone loitering or within view. After not seeing anyone, he stepped back in through the open door and removed the cardboard. SG Keith then radioed in to the command post what he had discovered prompting all on-duty guards of the situation and thereby a sense of heightened vigilance. Finally, after completing his rounds he filed an Incident Report so that further action would be taken to address the event.

Does this sound like a plausible event? Did Security Guard Keith fulfil his duties? Were the actions of SG Keith able to achieve the Securitas mission? In the field of security a guard must be keenly aware of the important functions tied to their position. At the heart of it, and the reason private security was even established, lies a three prong role of the security guard - Detecting, Deterring, and Reporting. It is these tasks, which are also at the core of a Securitas guard's position, and which our clients are expecting from us in the course of a day's work. On the face of it this seems like a pretty straight forward concept, but one must understand all the interrelated assignments that are associated with these functions. To fully comprehend this let's examine each of the three major roles one by one.

Download our This Month's Spotlight from the following link:

http://goo.gl/FF4Ae7

Monday, September 14, 2015

Identity Theft: The Digital Doppelganger


"But he that fliches from me my good name/Robs me of that which not enriches him/And makes me poor indeed." (Shakespeare, Othello, Act iii, Sc.3.)

We live in a modern digital world where there exists a growing and unknown threat from cyber thieves. As we approach the end of the summer and begin to prepare for the holiday season, we must realize that we all are at risk of identity theft. In the era of quick internet searches one can find out a treasure trove of information on people with nothing more than a name and maybe an address. Understanding and awareness is what can mean the difference between proactively stopping a crime in its tracks or working reactively for months, if not years, to repair the damage.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Spotting Suspicious Activity


The milder weather of spring coaxes green stems to sprout and dreams of travel to blossom. Unfortunately, the weeds of terrorism also sneak out of their underground hiding places and attempt to blend into the crowd of budding spring flowers. Travel experts are forecasting a sunny season for increased tourism in 2015. At the same time, security experts are forecasting a stormy year of increased terrorist activity. Unlike the lovely spring flowers, terrorists cannot thrive in the bright light of day. They prefer to strike from the shadows; blending in with innocent people so as to make detection of their despicable plans more difficult. The challenge for the security professional, and the general public, is to spot the weeds as they are sprouting and rip them out by the roots before they can overrun the flower beds. 

Focus Your Vigilance 

Most tourists tend to be curious and somewhat adventuresome, occasionally wandering off the beaten path to discover new sights and experiences. Terrorists may also be curious and adventuresome when planning an attack. How will you tell the difference between the two groups? You will have to be alert to some subtle differences in behaviour.

Download and Read the complete Spotlight on Security from the following link:

http://goo.gl/05cbD5

* This guide is for informational purposes only and does not contain Securitas Canada’s complete policy and procedures. For more information, contact your Supervisor or Branch Manager.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Keeping Safe from Office Creepers



Heading out to lunch, Sally began to push open the security door when a well-dressed man, carrying a large briefcase, grabbed the door handle from the other side and held the door open for her. "Have a nice lunch." The man said as Sally smiled and strode past him. "I guess chivalry is not dead after all," she thought cheerfully. After a pleasant lunch at the local café, Sally returned to her office in good spirits; only to discover that her laptop computer was missing. Remorsefully, Sally realized she had been the unwitting accomplice of a 'chivalrous' thief.

Who Are the Office Creepers?

Office creepers are persons who enter buildings to steal from the company or individuals. These thieves do not limit themselves to office buildings. They have invaded schools, warehouses, high rise buildings, and even hospitals where they steal from helpless patients! They are devious and adaptable thieves who usually do their best to blend into the surroundings. They may disguise themselves by dressing like a typical business person, office worker, sales person, maintenance personnel, cleaning staff, repair person, or delivery person. They can be male or female and of any race or ethnicity. The one thing they all have in common is their desire to take what is yours. Vigilance and strict adherence to company rules can keep the creepers out of the cubicles. A person you do not recognize may be a creeper if they are exhibiting any of these behaviors:
  • entering and exiting multiple offices, cubicles, or rooms, usually for only a minute or two
  • waiting near a security entrance, especially when it is close to lunch time, or the start or end of the work day 
  • peeking into multiple offices, cubicles, or rooms and not entering if they are occupied.
  • This person may be stealing, or looking for unoccupied areas from which to steal. If you notice any suspicious person, alert the security office immediately.

Security Can Thwart Creepers

A security guard's job is to protect the client's property and personnel against harm. The guard has three "tools" that have proven beneficial in the prevention of criminal activity. They are detection, deterrence, and reporting.

Detection

By remaining alert and vigilant, a security guard should be aware of any strangers entering the premises. The vigilant guard should pay special attention to any stranger at the job site. The guard should observe the person's behavior and appearance, looking for signs of:
  • uneasiness or uncertainty 
  • lack of proper identification (insofar as Post Orders permit ID inspection), or fake IDs 
  • loitering near security barriers
  • "tailgating" (tailgaters can bypass a security barrier by closely following an authorized person through it) 
  • "shoulder surfing" (trying to see a security code an authorized person is entering on a keypad)

Deterrence

The presence of an alert, uniformed, security guard is often enough to deter a criminal from attempting to invade the premises, but not always. That is why it is very important that the guard knows the Post Orders and the client's security procedures. The guard should always strive to enforce the security rules of the site. Depending on Post Orders, a guard might control access in these ways:
  • Request that visitors sign the "Visitor Log." This lets the strangers know that you are alert to their presence.
  • Politely ask if you can assist them in finding their way. This will give you the opportunity to ask them about the purpose of their visit and who they are visiting.
  • Confirm that the visitor is expected by contacting the receiver of the visit.
  • Request to see ID badges or other ID (i.e. driver's license, business card, etc.), if your Post Orders permit ID inspection. Verify that any ID badge is authentic.
  • Verify any requests for repairs if the stranger claims to be a repair person.
  • Verify that a delivery, or removal, is expected if the person claims to be a delivery person or a professional mover.
  • Securely store all keys, ID badges, and visitor passes.
  • Do not allow anyone, even persons you recognize, to "tailgate" through a security barrier.
  • If authorized by the Post Orders, request that the person allow a visual inspection of any bags, unsealed boxes, briefcases, or other containers they carry. If they are carrying an empty container into the facility, they may be planning on filling it with the client's property!

Reporting

Reporting serves to alert others about a creeper and can lead to the arrest and conviction of creepers. Because a guard's report may be used in a court of law, it is extremely important that the report be complete and accurate. A vigilant security guard will include as many of the following facts in their reports as possible.

Who is the person? Give a detailed description. Get their name and address. Describe the person's clothing, appearance, height, weight, hair and eye color, age, race, sex, and any distinguishing characteristics (i.e. facial hair, tattoos, piercings, scars, moles, warts, etc.).

What did the person do? Describe their actions and behavior. Did they sit in a lobby chair and read a magazine or did they wander around the lobby and rush towards doors that were opened? Did the person appear nervous or confident? Were they furtive or rowdy? In what way did they pass through a security barrier? Did they have a security barrier key or key code? Did they "tailgate" through the barrier behind an authorized person? Were they seen carrying any property out of the premises? Try to give a clear picture of their actions.

Where was the person? Were they only seen in the lobby or were they observed entering a doorway or walking down a corridor? Perhaps they were seen walking down a hallway and entering an office? Whose office? At what spot in the hallway were they first seen? Be precise. The exact location can be vital to a criminal investigation.

Notify neighboring facilities if a thief has struck at your facility. Cooperation counts in capturing a Creeper.

These are a few of the important observations that a good guard will record in a report. The Securitas Report Writing course has more advice on good report writing techniques.

How You Can Thwart Creepers

A Creeper might target any building, anywhere. As a worker in the building, it may seem that you are powerless to defend yourself against this sneak thief. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you are the person with the most power to defeat this criminal. By following a few simple precautions, you can frustrate a Creeper's attempts at theft. Use these tactics to stop a Creeper cold.
  • Do not share keys, access cards, or access codes and never leave them lying around unattended. 
  • Do not open an access barrier for unauthorized persons. 
  • Report lost keys and access cards. 
  • Keep purses or wallets with you or locked in a drawer. 
  • Lock your door when you leave the office. 
  • Secure laptop computers and other devices to your desk with security cables or lock them in a drawer.
  • Mute your telephone or have your calls forwarded to you when you are out of your office (a ringing telephone can tip off a Creeper that your office is unoccupied). 
  • Report suspicious strangers to your supervisor and/or security personnel. 
  • Keep company information secure. Lock up data storage devices. Never share passwords or leave written copies unsecured (taping your password under your keyboard is a bad idea – it is one of the first places a thief will look).

What to Do If You Find a Creeper

If you see a crime being committed, do not attempt to apprehend the criminal. Your safety is far more valuable than any object. Follow these guidelines.
  • Do not confront or challenge the Creeper. 
  • Retreat to a safe area. 
  • Contact your supervisor and/or security personnel. 
  • As soon as possible, write down everything you saw; describe the event, the items stolen, and the thief in as much detail as you can.
*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not contain Securitas Canada's complete policy and procedures. For more information, contact your Supervisor or Branch Manager.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Winter's Double Danger: Cold and Carbon Monoxide

Winter can be a wonderful time of the year. Many parts of the country are blanketed with dazzling white snow. Winter sports lovers enjoy an abundance of skiing, ice skating, and sledding. And the kids all love building snowmen and snow forts for spectacular snowball fights! Yes, winter can be a joyous time, so long as you can retreat from the cold to the warmth inside your home. Unfortunately, winter is also a time when snow and ice storms play havoc with the power lines and leave many homes and businesses without heat or light. Be prepared to stay warm and protect your client's property and your own home.

Stay Warm and Safe at Work If you are on duty when a winter power outage strikes, you must be prepared. The simplest action you can take to stay warm is to add layers of clothing, so be sure to store the clothing you may need in your car or, if allowed, on the job site. Layering properly involves three types of clothing. Your first layer should be made of a fabric that will wick your perspiration away from your body and keep you dry. Thermal, or "long," underwear is generally best for this layer. The second layer is the insulating layer. The purpose of this layer is to trap your body heat. Fabrics such as fleece or wool are generally best for this layer. The third layer is protection against the weather. This layer should be of a fabric that will repel outside moisture, but still allow your sweat to evaporate.

Cover your hands, head, face, and feet properly too. Waterproof gloves and boots are a must and several layers of socks and a scarf are highly recommended. You may have to change your inner layer if it should become wet from perspiration, so be sure to have an extra set of inner layer garments on hand. You can find more information on layering by going to this travel information website http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatravelplanner/tp/keep_warm_in_winter.htm

Your client may or may not have emergency generators. This may mean limited or no lighting or heating at the site. This is where your flashlight can become a lifesaving tool. Check the batteries on a regular basis and always have a fresh backup set on hand. When patrolling, use the light to illuminate your path, but do not keep it focused on the ground all the time. Move the light around so that you are also aware of what is in front, above, and on the sides of your path. Make sure there are no obstacles, pitfalls, or hazards in your direction of travel before you take that next step. If your route takes you near buildings or under trees or structures (scaffolds, towers, etc.) beware of falling ice and snow. As a security professional, and depending on your Post Orders, you may need to use your skills in observing, reporting, and assisting in response to incidents, such as:
  • People trapped outside in cold weather, possibly in a disabled vehicle.
  • Broken or poorly sealed windows, doors, skylights, vents, and other openings.
  • Obstructions to heaters, piping systems, radiators, burners, or boilers.
  • Unsafe walkways and floors inside or outside where ice, snow, or water presents a hazard.
  • Temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in buildings equipped with wet-pipe sprinkler systems.
  • Fire protection equipment stored in a location where it might freeze.
  • Persons trapped in a disabled elevator.

You should be extra vigilant to ensure that no unauthorized personnel gain access to the premises. Be alert and, as per your Post Orders, lock doors and gates as necessary. Remember to document the details of the power outage and the actions you take in response to the outage. You will need to know how long the power outage may last, so be sure to have a battery operated radio handy.

Stay Warm and Safe at Home

Helpfulness is a common value in Securitas employees. If you have power during an emergency, consider inviting family or friends to stay with you until their power is restored. If you lose power and it is possible for you to travel safely, you should consider staying with family or friends who have electricity or you could stay in a designated public shelter. Take steps to protect your water pipes from freezing. First fill containers with water for drinking in case you are without power for an extended period. You can also fill a bathtub with water to use for flushing toilets. Then, shut off the water supply to your house by closing the water supply inlet valve. If you are not able to shut off the water coming into your house, you should slightly open all the faucets in the house so that there is a slight trickle of water coming out of the faucets. Flowing water will not freeze as quickly as standing water. You can find more advice about protecting water pipes on the CTV news website. 


If you have a generator, you can use it to power electric space heaters, depending on its power output. Prepare in advance and have ready at least ten gallons of gasoline, stored in approved containers. Honda Canada has advice on safe operation and use of generators at http://powerequipment.honda.ca/safety /generators. Here are a couple of their important safety tips. 

  • Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage. 
  • Do not hook a generator up to your home's wiring. Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

If you use space heaters, follow the advice of the National Fire Protection Association about how to use them safely; http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/heating/heating-safety-tips You can heat your home with fireplaces, propane or kerosene heaters, or wood stoves. 

Make sure that they are properly vented and have a battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) in the room. CO poisoning can result from the use of improperly vented heating equipment or vents that are clogged or leaky. This includes cracked or blocked chimneys. You cannot see or smell CO. Hypothermia and CO poisoning are both sneaky and deadly. The fumes may be fatal before anyone realizes there's a problem. If you suspect you've been exposed to carbon monoxide, get into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical care. If possible, open windows and doors on the way out of the house. The two main threats you will face during a winter storm power failure are the cold and the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Become familiar with the symptoms of both and seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you notice the symptoms of either condition.

Be Aware of Dangerous Symptoms

Do not let hypothermia sneak up on you. Be aware of the symptoms of mild and, severe hypothermia, and hypothermia in infants. A list of these symptoms and further information about hypothermia can be found on the Health Canada website, http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/cold-extreme-froid-eng.php

Guard against carbon monoxide poisoning by being on watch for its symptoms. You can find a list of symptoms and additional information about carbon monoxide poisoning at the Health Canada website, http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/in/poll/combustion/carbon-eng.php

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Dangers of Hypothermia & Carbon Monoxide - Be safe!



So many unique cold weather activities combined with the holiday season, winter can be a joyous time. Many parts of the country are blanketed with dazzling white snow. Sports lovers enjoy an abundance of skiing, ice skating, and sledding. All ages love building snowmen and snow forts for spectacular snowball fights. Winter is fun only so long as you can safely retreat from the cold when needed.

Personal Safety and Warmth The simplest action you can take to stay warm is to add layers of clothing, so be sure to store the clothing you may need in your car while traveling. Cover your

hands, head, face, and feet properly too. Gloves, scarf and boots are a must as well as dry warm, dry socks. Layering properly involves three types of clothing. Your first layer should be made of a fabric that will wick your perspiration away from your body and keep you dry. Thermal, or “long,” underwear is generally best for this layer. The second layer is the insulating layer. The purpose of this layer is to trap your body heat. Fabrics such as fleece or wool are generally best for this layer. The third layer is for protection against the weather. This layer should be of a fabric that will repel outside moisture, but still allow your sweat to evaporate.

Warm and Safe Accommodations

If you have power during an emergency, consider inviting family or friends to stay with you until their power is restored. If you lose power and it is possible for you to travel safely, you should consider staying with family or friends who have electricity or you could stay in a designated public shelter.

Take steps to protect your water pipes from freezing. First fill containers with water for drinking

in case you are without power for an extended period. You can also fill a bathtub with water to use for flushing toilets. Then, shut off the water supply to your house by closing the water supply inlet valve. If you are not able to shut off the water coming into your house, you should slightly open all the faucets in the house so that there is a slight trickle of water coming out of the faucets. Flowing water will not freeze as quickly as standing water. If you have a generator you can use it to power electric space heaters, depending on its power output. Prepare in advance and have ready at least ten gallons of gasoline, stored in approved containers. Remember to never operate a generator inside the home or garage.

You can provide heat with fireplaces, propane / kerosene heaters, or wood stoves. Don’t attempt to heat your entire home during the emergency. It will be more efficient and will make your heating fuel supply last longer if you block off rooms that do not need to be heated and stay in one room during the emergency.

Breath Easy

Make sure that they are properly vented and have a battery-operated carbon monoxide (CO) in the room. CO poisoning kills an average of 430 people every year. CO poisoning can result from the use of improperly vented heating equipment or vents that are clogged or leaky. This includes cracked or blocked chimneys. You cannot see or smell CO. Hypothermia and CO poisoning are both sneaky and deadly. The fumes may be fatal before anyone realizes there’s a problem. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide, get into fresh air immediately and seek emergency medical care.

The two main threats you will face during a winter storm power failure are the cold and the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. Become familiar with the symptoms of both and seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you notice the symptoms of either condition. The invisible killer, carbon monoxide poisoning, can be especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.

Additional Information

Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/basics/definition/con-20020453
Guard against CO poisoning http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carbon-monoxide/basics/definition/con-20025444
Cold weather clothing tips http://www.army.mil/article/66527/Fight_the_Freeze/.
Safe generator operation http://www.redcross.org/news/article/RedCross-Offers-Safety-Steps-for-ExtremeCold.
Safe space heater operation http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/extreme-cold-guide.pdf.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not contain Securitas Canada’s complete policy and procedures.

For more information, contact your Securitas Canada supervisor or account manager at www.securitasinc.ca

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Holiday Giving : Be Generous Be Helpful Be Safe


Be of good cheer, the most festive time of the year is nearly here! It is time to break out the wrapping paper and bows and dash off to the mall for that perfect gift. Truly this is a season of giving and Canadians are among the most generous people in the world (according to a poll conducted by The Guardian newspaper). The holiday season is an especially important time for charities as the largest portion of their annual collections is given at this time of the year. But you should exercise caution when making a charitable donation. Some thieves masquerade as Good Samaritans. Most charitable institutions are staffed by honest, caring individuals and the majority of the money they raise is used to benefit people in need. However, there have been cases where selfish individuals have used donations to enrich themselves. There are also scammers who solicit contributions for fake charities. Again, these greedy Grinchs are few and far between, but they are out there and you need to beware of them. Securitas encourages all of our employees to take our core values of Integrity, Vigilance, and Helpfulness to heart. In that spirit, Securitas hopes that you will all support worthy charities and help protect your families and communities from unscrupulous fakers. To assist you in spotting the wolves amongst the charitable lambs, here are a few useful tips that you can share with your family and friends.

How to Spot a Charity Scam

Here are some tips to help you give safely to trustworthy causes.

  • Beware of a solicitor who will not provide detailed information about the charity’s identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used.
  • Ask for detailed information about the charity, including name, address, and telephone number. Look up the phone number to see if it matches and then call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. 
  • Get the exact name of the organization and do some research. Searching the name of the organization online—especially with the word “complaint(s)” or “scam”— is one way to learn about its reputation. 
  • Check out the charity by contacting the Charity Intelligence Canada (http://www.charityintelligence.ca/) or Canada Revenue Agency (http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/lstngs/menu-eng.html) 
  • Do not provide your credit or check card number, bank account number, or any personal information until you have thoroughly researched the charity.
  • Refuse any telephoned request for cash or to wire money.
  • If they use high pressure tactics to try to get you to make a pledge before you have had time to think it over.
  • If the solicitor thanks you for a previous pledge that you cannot recall making there is a good chance they are trying to scam you. 
  • If you are offered a guaranteed sweepstakes winning in exchange for a contribution, you can bet it is a scam. 
  • Be wary of charities that spring up too suddenly in response to current events and natural disasters. Even if they are legitimate, they probably don’t have the infrastructure to get the donations to the affected area or people.

The Salvation Army asks that you be cautious of bell-ringing impostors on the sidewalks. Real solicitors will have all-red kettles on a black stand with a small sign sporting the organization’s logo and their kettles will be padlocked. Also, check with store managers or local police to see if the solicitor has been given permission to be there. Legitimate Salvation Army bell ringers are only in locations where they have been permitted to be stationed. So be sure to check for authenticity before you toss your money in the kettle. As a Securitas officer, and a good citizen, you should keep your eyes and ears open and your wallet shut until you are positive that a solicitor is legitimate. Report to the police any suspicious appearance or activity of persons soliciting for charitable donations. Not only will you be preventing a possible crime, but you may also be helping the genuine charities collect more by preventing donations from being hijacked by fakers.

1 Source: The Guardian.com, http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2010/sep/08/charitable-giving-country

2 Source: The National Center for Charitable Statistics, http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/knowledgebase/detail.php?linkID=857&category=22&xrefID=32

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not contain Securitas Canada’s complete policy and procedures. For more information, contact your Supervisor or Branch Manager.