Stay safe as the summer rains approach

Tips to minimise damage and stay safe during yellow level 2 and 4 extreme weather conditions

The South African Weather Service?(SAWS) has issued a yellow Level 2 and 4 warning for residents across the central and eastern parts of the country to prepare for significant rain, lightning and potential flooding over the next few days with Gauteng identified as a high risk. The warning comes after weeks of heatwaves and high temperatures across the country

Against this backdrop, Santam, South Africa’s largest short-term insurer, has urged residents in areas prone to adverse weather to take proactive steps to keep themselves safe and to reduce potential damage to their belongings as the inclement weather is forecast to reach Gauteng this week.

Santam’s claims data has demonstrated the increasing frequency and severity of storms because of both climate change and deteriorating infrastructure.

According to Marius Kemp, head of Personal Underwriting at Santam, adverse weather events can cause catastrophe to the environment and residents, leading to widespread flooding and significant property and vehicle damage.

But Kemp says that there are steps that can be taken to lower risks associated with property or personal damage during these extreme weather events. “While some damage may be avoidable depending on the severity of the storm, we have seen risks being significantly reduced when residents in vulnerable areas are proactive in terms of their safety and that of their home and belongings,” says Kemp.

He advises people to remain vigilant and prepared and shares the following tips:

Protecting your home:

• Regularly clear gutters of debris to reduce the chance of overflow that could lead flooding and internal water damage
• Inspect your roof regularly and be vigilant about maintaining it
• Trim trees and shrubs often to prevent branch or debris damage to a home
• Secure outdoor furniture or move it under cover
• Make sure your home and household contents are insured for the correct replacement value

Driving through a downpour:

• Avoid areas prone to flooding – especially in periods of heavy downpours
• Before leaving, check radio stations and mobile apps for weather and traffic updates and plan your route accordingly
• Slow down in rainy conditions and increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you
• Switch on your headlights
• Stay alert (and off of your phone) – particularly in times of poor visibility
• Obey the rules of the road, especially any temporary signage or hazard warnings around flooding

If you get into deep water:

• Do not panic – try to stay calm and alert
• Do not drive through sections of water where you can’t see the road
• Do not drive around or through barricades – they have been put there for your safety
• If your vehicle is trapped by rising water, stop, then get out of the car and move to safer or higher ground. Your safety and the safety of your passengers is more important than your vehicle

How to protect your vehicle from hail:

• Use a GPS or Maps app functionality to search for covered parking facilities nearby (such as a shopping mall)
• Use thick fleecy blankets to cover your car for protection
• Consider investing in a low-cost vehicle carport
• Ensure that your car is insured for the correct value and that your policy will cover hail damage