Winter weather preparedness: what South Africans need to know

South Africans in certain parts of the country are experiencing an icy spell which is projected to continue over the next few weeks. The South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 5 Warning last week for severe thunderstorms across parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. The icy weather is part of a powerful weather system called a ‘cut-off low’, which brings heavy rain, low temperatures, and snow in certain areas. Flooding and storms can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, so it is critical to ensure you are prepared.

As winter approaches, it is critical to ensure that you are financially protected against the damage that can be done by severe weather systems such as this one. Having the right building, home, and car insurance in place can ensure you are covered should you be affected by adverse weather conditions.

In addition to ensuring you have sufficient cover, there are also risk mitigation steps you can take against winter-related risks to reduce damage to your home and valuables, as well as your car when driving. Now is the time to assess your property's vulnerability and take steps to minimise the impact of further seasonal changes and severe weather. Making these updates and adjustments now can help prevent serious damage in the long run, which may set you back financially.

Take steps to check the safety of your car for wet weather and brush up on safe driving tips for slippery roads.

To mitigate the risk of weather-related damage to your home, below are some tips:

• Your roof being exposed to the elements, often takes a beating from temperature fluctuations. Perform regular maintenance on the waterproofing of your roof to address any possible water leaks during rainy periods.
• Clear out gutters regularly to ensure proper water drainage from the roof.
• Look out for weak branches that could break in strong winds, potentially damaging your property.
• Ensure roof tiles are not damaged or loose to withstand winter storms' powerful gusts.

As we rely more on electric appliances during the colder winter months in some areas, the risk of residential fires increases. Kemp advises:

• To safeguard your family, ensure you have a regularly serviced fire extinguisher at home if you don't already.
• Be vigilant with winter's most used electrical devices like heaters and electric blankets, as they can be common causes of electrical fires.
• Replace worn plugs and cords and take note if fuses or circuits frequently trip. While fuses are replaceable, recurring blown fuses or tripped circuits may indicate an underlying issue that requires investigation.
• Always double-check that all appliances are switched off before leaving the house as this is often a fire starter in many homes.
• Keep heating appliances especially gas or electrical heaters at least a meter away from flammable materials like curtains or plastic containers and designate someone to ensure they're switched off at the end of each day.

Driving in stormy, wet weather adds a significant additional layer of risk to the usual precautions one should take on the road.

• Make sure your car services are up to date and your tires are in good condition.
• If at all possible, avoid areas prone to flooding – particularly in periods of heavy downpours.
• Stay alert and focused, reduce your driving speed, and increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you
• Make sure your headlights are switched on (Do not put these on the bright setting while there is oncoming traffic)
• Avoid driving through sections of water where you are unable to see the road, this is both risky and dangerous
• Do not drive around or through barricades – they have been put there for your safety
• Should your vehicle be 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
• 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) or if you are parked outside, cover your car with thick fleecy blankets
• For hail damage, ensure that your car is insured comprehensively for the correct value and that your policy will cover hail damage.

Staying informed about your specific insurance coverage and emergency preparedness ensures that you're ready to handle any challenges that may arise. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can navigate the winter season with confidence, knowing that your homes are well-prepared to weather the elements.

* Kemp is the head of personal underwriting at short-term insurer, Santam.

PERSONAL FINANCE