Keeping safe as a Celebrant is very important and there are things you must, and must not do for your own safety.
What should you do?
Who should know?
Here are some hints and tips to save into your toolbox to keep safe while visiting people in their homes. Although there may have been a tragedy such as a death and you are there in a professional capacity. These can be tense time and very stressful and people do not always act the way the normally would.
My number one tip is if in doubt get yourself out if there is something you are uncomfortable with!
- Buy yourself a personal alarm and attach it to your keys or have it in your pocket at all times. Even in everyday situations this is a good Idea.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged especially if you are going to use it for recording purposes and take this into account before leaving home. It might be a good idea to have a separate recording device.
- When people are grieving they can act different from usual and can be offensive and aggressive. If you are uncomfortable and don’t feel in control of the situation get yourself out of there. Or if there is someone in the home whom you don’t expect to see and a door is locked behind you. Do not take any chances. No fee is worth it.
- Check google maps before you go and make sure you know exactly where you are going and if there is parking nearby. If it is dark maybe use the torch on your phone or, as above, some personal alarms have torches attached.
- Have all the details of the appointment recorded in a document as this is good practice before meeting a client and this should be done after the first contact. Share some of this information with a friend or family member before going bearing in mind data protection rules.
- Depending on the area you are going to it may be good to get someone to go with you even if they stay in the car and wait for you.
- Lastly and, you may think dramatically, make sure you have any medication with you in case you need it. I was in a situation once and there was a cat in the home which I was highly allergic to and this resulted in a very tricky, sneezing situation. Dome people might also need an inhaler to cope with a similar episode.
The main thing is to be aware and do not let worries stop you from doing your job which is very rewarding but put yourself first and if in doubt, leave it out!
Happy Celebrating!
To find out more click on the link below!
Civil Celebrant Quick Start guide
MM The Celebrant 