How to protect your home over your Easter travels

Franco Feris, Chief Executive Office at Santam Namibia Limited, shares practical home safety tips for a secure Easter long weekend.

As Namibians prepare for the Easter long weekend, holidaymakers and motorists are advised to be extra vigilant on the road this season to ensure the safety of them and other road users. Last year, the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund reported an increase in the total number of crashes from 37 in 2024 to 42 in 2025.

CWhile this reflects a 13.5% increase, there has been a notable decrease in injuries as the fund reported 126 in 2024 and 96 in 2025 – a 24% improvement in the country. The Easter weekend is notoriously known for higher traffic volumes on busy routes such as the B1 through Windhoek and the B2 toward the coast which raises the probability for road accidents.

CCommenting on this is Franco Feris Chief Executive Officer at Santam Namibia Limited who says the improved statistics are a positive sign that road safety interventions are making an impact. “While it’s encouraging to see injuries decline, Easter remains one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Increased traffic volumes, fatigue and long-distance driving still elevate risk. A safe holiday starts with responsible driving and proper preparation,” says Feris.

However, road travel is only one part of the risk equation during long weekends. According to the Namibian Police 2025 statistics, 1 039 housebreaking cases were reported in Windhoek for the period July – September 2025 and is a common crime experienced by households. Additionally, over the 2024/25 period, housebreaking and theft incidents more than doubled, climbing from 282 to 623 cases.

“Even as road safety shows slight improvement, homes left unoccupied over long weekends remain a major risk that we cannot ignore. As such, taking proactive steps to secure your property is just as important as preparing your vehicle,” Feris adds..

To help Namibians travel with peace of mind this Easter, Feris shares the following home safety checklist:

1. Test your alarm system: Ensure it is fully functional, as non-operational alarms may affect your insurance cover. 
2. Notify your security company: Inform them of your travel dates and provide an alternative contact person.
3. Arrange regular check-ins: Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your home. 
4. Prevent avoidable damage: Turn off the main water supply to prevent burst pipe damage. Unplug electrical appliances (except essential ones like the fridge) to reduce fire and surge risk. Switch off the geyser to save electricity. 
5. Review your insurance cover: Reassess the value of your household contents to ensure you are adequately covered. 

“Insurance is there to protect you when the unexpected happens, but policyholders also have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to safeguard their property,” says Feris.

“Taking these simple steps not only reduces the likelihood of loss, but can also make the claims process far smoother should you need to claim. Solid preparation gives you peace of mind and ensures that if something does go wrong, you’re in the strongest possible position to recover quickly,” he concludes.