Brace for windy, risky winter

With the winter months approaching, Namibians can expect weather patterns to shift to drier and windier conditions, particularly in inland and coastal regions.

Santam Namibia Limited chief executive Franco Feris says these seasonal changes can bring a range of weather-related risks that homeowners and motorists should not overlook.

“While many people associate winter in Namibia with dry and sunny weather, it is still important to be proactive before the season hits, to ensure you are financially protected against potential damage caused by adverse conditions.”

The winter months bring an array of risks to properties, vehicles and home contents – and not always the ones people expect.

“People typically think of risks associated with dropping temperatures and water-related incidents in winter, but fires are among the biggest risks in Namibia,” Feris says.

Winter is when drought impacts are most acutely felt in Namibia, and the country has experienced one of its worst droughts in a century over successive winters.

In these dry conditions, the risk of fire increases significantly, raising the threat to both homes and vehicles.

Feris advises that simple preventative measures can go a long way in reducing risk.

“Ensuring that properties are clear of dry vegetation, keeping fire extinguishers easily accessible, and reviewing insurance cover to confirm protection against fire-related damage are all important steps,” he says.

Although most flooding occurs in summer, Feris notes that flooding can persist into late autumn and winter due to upstream rainfall in Angola and Zambia.

Seasonal flooding in the Zambezi region has, in recent years, extended into June and July.

Feris recommends taking steps to check the safety of building structures and vehicles for wet weather and brushing up on safe driving tips for slippery roads.

“If you’re in an area that is vulnerable to flooding, precautionary measures like checking your roof for leaks and clearing your gutters can go a long way in ensuring proper water drainage.”

He adds that during cold snaps – especially in the south – there is also a risk of burst water pipes, which can cause significant damage to buildings and contents.

“Cold fronts have recently produced night-time temperatures close to or below 0°C, sufficient to cause burst pipes under the right conditions.”

Feris shares a few recommendations on how to prevent burst water pipes this winter:
-Letting water slowly drip from each tap stops freezing.

This prevents the build-up of ice which creates pressure and damages the pipes.

-Conduct regular maintenance and improvements to ensure that the plumbing and insulation are in order.

-Thermal insulation of pipes will significantly reduce the risk. However, consider this would only be effective for exposed pipes.

-If you are away from home, drain all the water from the pipes by closing the main water valve and opening each tap to drain all the water.

This prevents any unwanted water or electricity wasted.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when experiencing water damages in your property.

The best response is to stay calm and assess the situation.

Feris shares two simple steps to follow for homeowners responding to water damages:
-Turn off your water at the main switch by shutting off the main stopcock.

This will stop the flow of water into the house and prevent any more water from coming into the pipes that would lead to further damage.

-Switch off the main electrical supply, especially if any electrical sockets could be exposed to water.

While the risk of prolonged freezing conditions is lower in Namibia, Ferris says homeowners can still take proactive steps to protect their property and contents.

“By staying informed and prepared, homeowners can protect their properties and enjoy a safer, more comfortable winter season,” he concludes.

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