Risk Management key during SA’s summer fire season

Natasja Blok, Managing Director of Thatch Risk Acceptances, a specialist insurance underwriter, writing on behalf of Compass Insurance Company Limited (‘Compass’), says fire can have a devastating impact on a property, including its total destruction. She says, "At this time of year the prospect of vegetation fires becomes a huge problem in the Western Cape, because fynbos regeneration generally requires fire. That is why it is even more important for homeowners near fire-prone areas to have an up to date insurance policy to avoid suffering a major financial loss.”

The study by independent botanical consultant Paul Emms reports that the area at the top of Table Mountain hasn’t burnt for around 80-90 years, meaning that certain fynbos species are declining and their regeneration now needs to be kickstarted by fire. This report also comes after recent news that the City of Cape Town has intensified its firefighting capacity ahead of the dry summer season, which has been welcomed by many homeowners.

Blok clarifies, "Besides the danger of summer fires in the dry Western Cape, over the interior of the country the summer rainfall pattern brings the threat of heavy rain and with it lightning strikes.

Lightning obviously poses a hazard to people and livestock, and can cause extensive damage to property. It presents a serious potential fire hazard to homeowners in much of the country, particularly those whose houses have thatched roofs.”

Blok says underinsurance is one of the greatest obstacles homeowners face when claiming after a fire. She advises, "A proper valuation upfront is vital to avoid being underinsured at a claim stage. Many homeowners think it is correct to insure their property for the selling price. However, they should be looking at what the cost would be to rebuild the property in the event of a fire.”

Blok offers practical tips for residential risk management to guide people in the event of a fire in the home, as follows:

• Firstly, it’s not enough to have a fire extinguisher in the home – the key people in the home need to know how to use it. It should also be easily accessible, but not within the reach of small children or pets.

• The family members should all know what to do in the event of a fire and this should be discussed and agreed, thinking about such issues as, for example, where to gather, escape routes and what items to save, if possible. Rule number one, of course, is the saving of human lives over possessions.

• To this end, fire drills should be carried out from time to time – perhaps every six months. This should include everyone in the household, including children, domestic workers, gardeners and disabled people. Children should be taught not to hide under beds or in cupboards, and never to go back into a burning house once safely outside.

• Common causes of fires in homes include open flames, electrical faults, cooking and the smoking of cigarettes. It’s important to take precautions against these possible fire hazards.

• Have a fireguard at an open fireplace and get an electrician to check your house for faulty wiring.

• Do not leave cooking oil on stoves unattended.

• Smokers should smoke outside, away from dry vegetation and make sure their cigarettes are properly put out before disposing of them.

"Those who may be more prone to fire damage, such as those living close to mountains or dry areas or in a thatched roof house, should take adequate precautions now, ahead of the summer fire hazard season. Homeowners can ensure that they are financially covered and – even more importantly - unharmed,” concludes Blok.