With heavy rains forecast over many parts of South Africa in the days to come, there’s a collective sigh of relief. In much of the country’s interior and east coast, the first rain of the season brings with it a promise of the end of winter and a resounding ‘hello, summer!’.
But warns Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, that there are some steps you need to take before the clouds gather, to ensure that your car and home make it through the storms with minimal potential for damage.
Here are Van Vuuren’s top tips:
Know when thunderstorms are on the way
Staying up to date with the latest weather forecast has never been easier: Simply turn on your weather app notifications before planning a trip or a commute. Or, if you’re old school, your option is to stay tuned to the weather reports on the radio or TV. Then try to stay off the roads, if possible.
Park your car under cover
Insurers see hundreds of claims for hail damage every year. The simplest way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in your garage, or under a carport that has a hard roof. If you don’t have covered parking, you can use thick, padded blankets to minimise damage and protect your car from front to back.
Make sure your car wipers are in top condition
In case you’re caught in a storm and there’s nowhere to go, your best defence is proactive preparation. Get your wipers checked before the rainy season starts, and use water repellent for your windscreen to make sure your visibility is as clear as possible while you’re on the road.
Get ‘on top’ of your house
Check that your home’s roof is rain-ready: No broken tiles or loose flashings, nails and screws, dirt or debris. Also, check that your waterproofing is secure and hasn’t started to crack or lift. However, actually getting on your roof could be dangerous, so the best course of action is get a professional to do this for you.
“If you live in a sectional title complex, chat to your body corporate or a trustee: Your roof is common property and it’s the complex’s responsibility to maintain it,” says Van Vuuren.
It’s all about the gutters
Make sure there are no leaves and debris stuck in your home’s gutters – or they’ll almost certainly overflow after the first proper rain, which could cause damage and rising damp in your walls, doors, and windows. Also, be sure to check that your downpipes aren’t clogged and that they channel rainwater well away from the house.
Make sure your insurance is up to date
Despite your best efforts, storms and hail can damage your assets. But to minimise the risk of a financial burden, make sure you have the right insurance for your home and car, which can help cover any damage resulting from the storm. In short: Prevention is better than cure. But when the rainy season hits, make sure you’re covered, one way or another!
