Adopt a double-check mindset this December
Some often-neglected things that holiday goers need to double-check.
December is a time when most South Africans can take a breather and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
That said, some take their relaxation a bit too seriously and tend to forget the little details that could lead to major inconvenience, or even a disaster.
Thousands of deaths and injuries during December can be avoided if more people adopt a ‘double-check-mindset’. Double-checking a tyre, a bolt, a gas valve, a doused flame or even a weather report could literally mean the difference between life and death,” says Elmarie Twilley, spokesperson for Afrikaans insurance brand, Virseker.
Virseker highlights the following often-neglected things that holiday goers need to double-check:
• Road readiness: Small things like loose bolts, bad wheel alignment or balancing, leaks or low fluid levels, could see your holiday turn to a disaster before it even starts. Have a thorough multi-point check done on your vehicle to make sure that its road trip ready.
• Towing: Check tow bar bolts to make sure that they are firmly fastened. Double-check to make sure that the safety chain and electrical cables are properly connected and that lights are working.
• Loading: Make sure that your vehicle isn’t overloaded. Check all roof and carry racks to make sure that they are firmly attached and that the loads they carry are firmly fastened.
• Camping and hiking: Always keep a close eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Don’t go beyond the capabilities of your vehicle. When camping outside camp terrains, choose a camping spot with a low risk of lightning, rock falls, flash floods and other natural hazards. Make sure that a fire is fully extinguished before leaving the site. Make sure that you always have some form of mobile / satellite network coverage in case of an emergency.
• Watercraft: Always keep a close eye on the weather. Use only designated launch and retrieval spots. Do not move too close to areas used by bathers, fishermen etc. Especially with smaller craft, make sure that you are visible to others. Research the location you’ll be visiting and be aware of any hazards that may arise under certain weather conditions or at specific times of the day.
• Braai time: Avoid having a braai in windy conditions, especially given the current drought in SA. Stick to fire starting fuels that are designed to do the job – don’t improvise. With gas braais, make sure that all cylinders, valves and hoses seal properly. When you are done braaiing, turn the valve off first to allow the gas in the hose to be burned off, then turn off the burner controls to make sure that no gas remains trapped in the hose.
• Charging devices: Use the correct charger or travel adapter – just because the charger fits your electric or electronic device doesn’t mean that it supplies the right voltage. Beware of cheap imitation chargers as they can cause batteries to overheat. Leave the charging device in a well-ventilated spot, outside of its cover, to avoid a fire risk.
• Kids in holiday mode: Adults may see the holidays as a time to relax, but for kids, it’s one great adventure. Parents’ afternoon nap coinciding with Junior’s need to explore and experiment could lead to disaster.
• Insurance cover: Making sure that all your valuables are safe, secure and properly insured is of critical importance. Having your insurer’s roadside assist and other emergency contact details on hand is an absolute must.
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