Severe weather warning for South Africa
The South African Weather Service has warned of cold, wet, and windy weather conditions, with insurer Santam urging South Africans to prepare.
The SAWS issued a public warning of cold, wet and windy weather conditions affecting large parts of the country over the past weekend.
Two straight cold fronts impacted the Western Cape and Northern Cape before spreading eastwards across the central and eastern interior. Large parts of the country are now facing inclement conditions.
Following heavy rains, the City of Cape Town reported localised flooding across the metro. Gauteng has also experienced heavy rainfall, severely impacting road conditions.
Marius Kemp, Head of Personal Underwriting at Santam, said the weather is a timely indication to South Africans that winter is officially on the way.
“Now is the time to ensure that you understand the preparations required for severe weather conditions,” said Kemp.
“The winter months bring an array of new risks to our properties, cars and home contents, and it’s not always the risks people expect.”
For areas hit by downpours and flooding, Kemp said precautionary measures, such as checking your roof for leaks and clearing your gutters, can help ensure proper water drainage.
He added that frozen or burst water pipes can also be common as temperatures drop, often causing considerable damage to buildings and contents.
“The cold weather contributes to the bursting of water pipes,” said Kemp. “Freezing conditions can cause exposed pipes to crack or leak, as water expands when it freezes, increasing pressure within the pipe.”
Most common types of winter issues
Geyser claims are the main type of claim Santam receives during the winter months, with burst water pipes among the most common homeowner claims.
These incidents highlight the importance of taking proactive measures to protect one’s home, warned Santam. The company is the largest short-term insurer in the country.
Moreover, while winter brings colder temperatures, it also increases the risk of fires as more people turn to electrical appliances.
“As we rely more on electric appliances during the colder winter months in some areas, the risk of residential fires also increases,” he warned.
“Heaters and electric blankets, in particular, are common causes of electrical fires and should be used with caution.”
Preventative measures include keeping a regularly serviced fire extinguisher at home, replacing worn plugs, cords and fuses.
One should also ensure that heating appliances are placed at least a metre away from flammable materials such as curtains or plastic items.
Furthermore, Kemp strongly advises always double-checking that all appliances are switched off before leaving the house, as this is often a fire hazard in many homes.
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