VIDEO: Dineo’s coming, be prepared

It is well on course for South Africa, more specifically the Lowveld region in Limpopo.

Heavy rains and high winds can often lead to major devastation and destruction, especially in areas where landslides can occur rather easily.

With the cyclone on its way, Letaba Herald would like to provide a few precautionary tips and measures you should carry out to prevent major loss of life or damage to property.

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Before and during heavy rainfall and high winds:

• If your area is not usually prone to flash floods, do not be naïve of the possibility thereof as Dineo is a certified cyclone that will bring along heavy rains, regardless of your area’s usual climate patterns.
• If it is absolutely necessary and you really have to make a trip in pouring, heavy rains, be advised to turn your headlights on at all times, also ensure that your wiper blades are not perished or damaged.
• Never walk around in a flooded area where the water is higher than your calf as there could be debris underfoot or open drains that are not visible.
• Park your car indoors if possible, so as to avoid any debris that’s been flung into the air severely damaging your car.
• Ensure all of your drainage systems are well indicated and are not blocked up by anything to allow for efficient drainage of water in your area.
• Stay tuned to weather channels and radios for updates on storms in your area.
• Unplug all major electrical appliances to prevent power surges from damaging your appliances.

After heavy rainfall and high winds:

• Stay away from any power lines as they could be damaged and wet, as water and electricity can make quite the deadly cocktail.
• Clean and disinfect anything that would’ve gotten wet during the storm before you make use of it.
• Before you use ANY electrical appliances, try and contact an electrical engineer to assure you that your outlets are dry to again prevent mixing water and electricity.
• Make sure there are absolutely no gas leaks, as this could cause quite a problem if ignited.

As we are in such a sloped area with soft topsoil, be aware of anything that seems untoward about the landscape such as missing trees that were there the day before, as well as any bulges in the soil; as these are usual signs before a landslide.