With heavy rain, strong winds and hail battering many parts of South Africa, Dialdirect Insurance urged South Africans to remain vigilant and adopt a more proactive approach to avoid damage to property, injury and loss of life.
Bianca de Beer of Dialdirect said, “Storms like Eloise are a display of nature’s power. They can, however, quickly escalate into a full-blown disaster.
“The reality is that many storm-related losses can be prevented through better awareness, good planning and smart, prompt reaction.” Dialdirect offers the following practical tips to stay safe in adverse weather conditions:
HEAVY RAIN:
• Make sure that your outdoor furniture and accessories are safely stored or firmly secured, and that all gates and doors that need to be locked, are locked.
• Heavy rain is often associated with lightning. It is best to have surge protection plugs in place and to unplug appliances before the storm arrives.
• Where possible, park your car under cover and delay travelling until the storm has subsided.
• Do not park under trees as there is a danger of falling branches and debris. Take extreme care when pulling over, put on your hazard lights, and do not risk your safety or the safety of others by dashing madly for cover.
• Stay in your car and only leave the safety of your sheltered spot when the storm has passed.
IN PHOTOS: Eloise uproots trees, floods streets in Mpumalanga
FLOODS:
• It is sensible to purchase your own supply of sandbags, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. These can be placed against doorways and low-level vents in times of flooding to help minimise the amount of water that enters your home.
• Move valuable items to the highest possible floor or shelf if a flood threatens.
• Turn off electricity and gas supplies if flooding occurs to limit the risk of electrical shock or a fire.
• If you see warning signs like water seeping through the door or eating away at your home’s walls and foundations, it is best to head for higher ground immediately. Do not wait for it to become a life-threatening crisis.
• Motorists should not attempt to drive in flood conditions. Remember that just 15 centimetres of moving water can knock you off your feet and water just 60 centimetres deep can sweep a vehicle away.
Also read: Eskom prepared for Eloise
High alert for low-lying spots
• Flash floods often occur when rivers flow over low-lying bridges. Avoid crossing bridges or roads next to rivers during heavy rains
. • If you do get stuck on a flooded road, switch to the lowest possible gear and proceed slowly.
• If you approach a flooded spot at speed, it is advisable to take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly, because this may cause the car to skid or aquaplane.
• If your vehicle gets stuck during flooding or begins to be swept away, rather abandon the vehicle and get to higher ground. It is dangerous to try and drive out of the water to safety.
HAIL:
• If you are in an area prone to heavy hail, make sure that the structures around your house can handle the extra weight, and that you are equipped to clear any build-ups if needs be. Reinforce structures where necessary
. • If there is no shelter nearby, motorists are urged to pull over onto the side of the road if it is safe to do so.
• Another idea is to keep heavy blankets in your car. This will provide you with a protective covering you can throw over the bonnet of your car to prevent hail damage.
