By: Johannes Hesekiel
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, often spent in the company of close family and friends. However, this period also increases certain risks, such as theft and car accidents.
To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings, it is essential to take proactive measures and stay vigilant during this vulnerable time.
How to Avoid Theft
Incidents of theft and burglary are more likely to increase during the holidays.
This is because many people go on holiday, making it easier for criminals to target their vacant houses. Here are some tips for safeguarding your house and possessions:
- Activate Security Systems: Make sure that your alarm system at home is active and connected to an armed response unit.
- Lock all entry points before leaving. This includes doors, windows, and gates.
- Avoid Oversharing on Social Media: Refrain from publicly posting your travels, as this may signal to potential intruders that your home is vacant.
- Neighbourhood Watch: Inform a trusted neighbour or friend about your absence so they may watch your property.
- Insurance Check: Check your short-term insurance to ensure that your house and possessions are well covered against theft and damages.
Keeping Cars Safe
The state of your car is important for ensuring your safety and that of your passengers during the holidays when most Namibians embark on long-distance road trips. To minimise risks, do the following:
- Schedule a Service: Ensure your car is roadworthy, has been serviced, and that brakes, tires, lights, and other engine parts are in good working condition.
- Verify your insurance coverage: Ensure that your auto insurance is up-to-date and that your policy covers any eventualities in case of damages or accidents.
- Stock Your Vehicle with Emergency Supplies: Have your vehicle equipped with a first-aid kit, emergency triangle, a fire extinguisher, and a spare tire.
- Make safe rides: avoid speeding, stop for rest on long drives, and ensure that all passengers wear seat belts.
Rather than being troubled by preventable tragedy, the holiday season should be a time of cheer and peace.
Taking these precautions will help reduce your chances of theft and road accidents, thus placing you in a better position, in turn.
To ensure that your policy will fulfil your needs during this busy time of year, providing protection when it matters most, revisit your short-term insurance policy.
Johannes Hesekiel is the sales and underwriting general manager at Old Mutual Short-Term Insurance, Old Mutual Namibia. The views expressed herein are his own.