Parts of South Africa have been experiencing heavy rains and flooding, with emergency plans in place to evacuate residents along the Vaal River banks in the North West.
Some 80 households between Bloemhof Dam and the Vaal River are implementing evacuation measures, as their homes are now under threat.
Forewarned is forearmed, but often it is only in the aftermath of a disaster that we realise what we should have done to be better prepared. Severe storms can seriously damage your home, property and even your car, so make sure you’ve done all you can to stay safe from harm.
Home insurance is invaluable
These weather events can be disastrous for homeowners. Even though you take every precaution to protect your home, there are times when the weather is so fierce that damage does occur. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, hail can dent gutters and shatter windows, strong winds can damage roofs and lightning strikes can cause structural damage, explosive surges and even fires.
READ: Top 3 home insurance claims in SA and the 'hidden impact' of the pandemic on our homes
Check your insurance policy so that you understand what you’re covered for, and make sure that your insurer will provide support in times of crisis, with an expert team of professionals like plumbers and electricians on speed dial if your home has been damaged.
Your home is probably your most expensive investment and most valuable asset, so you have to make sure you’re insured correctly.
The ongoing heavy rains also serve as a reminder of the importance of car insurance for many unaffected people but, sadly, are also a reason to claim from insurers for the insured who are affected.
Ongoing protection for your home
Basic home maintenance goes a long way in protecting your home against extreme weather, says Alen Ribic, Co-founder of SweepSouth. Regularly cleaning out your gutters, for instance, can help prevent flooding when heavy rains occur.
Take a walk around your property and look for areas that are vulnerable to inclement weather. Heavy rainfall can cause damage and devalue your home, so make every effort to help water flow away from your house.
Keeping your roof and gutters in good condition is an important preventative measure against water damage, says Ribic.
READ: Repair tips | How to find and fix a roof leak
Fix loose tiles and weatherproof weakened, rusted areas that could allow water to get in, and clear gutters of any leaves or debris that could block them. Angle your downspouts, too, so that water flows away from your home’s foundation. Check that all windows and doors in your house can seal properly against the rain and that outdoor drains aren’t blocked.
Strong winds can cause havoc in a storm, snapping off loose tree branches and blowing them against your home, damaging the roof and windows. Trim branches regularly and be aware that trees with shallow roots are more prone to being blown over by strong, sustained winds when the soil is saturated with moisture from heavy rains.
If a big storm is approaching, minimise the danger of objects being flung about by moving outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and empty plant pots to a safer space. Lighter items can all be picked up by heavy winds and sent flying through a window, possibly causing injury to those inside.
Are your other assets protected?
From a car insurance perspective, not every policyholder can claim for extreme weather conditions from their vehicle insurer. Head of MiWay Blink, Christiaan Steyn says, ‘While not all insurance policies provide cover against natural disasters, comprehensive insurance cover offers the widest cover which includes cover against theft and hijacking, damages due to an accident, fire or explosion and natural disasters. However, this type of cover is optional and only applies if the policyholder has chosen comprehensive cover - which comes at a higher cost.”
Steyn advises residents of the affected areas, and owners of cars in general, to check with their insurers concerning cover against natural disasters, so that they know in advance whether they would be covered in the event of flood damage to a vehicle.. This will assist those who are not covered for natural disasters to get the right cover before it is too late.
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