Severe storm warning for homeowners in South Africa
South Africa is set to experience severe weather this week – including flooding, thunderstorms, and even fire dangers – and homeowners need to be prepared.
This Spring, South Africa has seen some harsh weather, ranging from snowy cold fronts to droughts threatening to cause a national water crisis.
This week, the South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for heavy rains expected between Port Alfred and Richards Bay, which could lead to flooding, road closures, and infrastructure damage.
Alongside this, a Yellow Level 4 warning is in place for severe thunderstorms across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the Free State, and North West, potentially causing further damage from hail and strong winds.
In addition, extremely high fire danger conditions have been forecasted for the Northern Cape, North West, and Limpopo, adding another layer of risk.
Homeowners are urged to remain vigilant since bad weather can lead to property damage which is expensive and difficult to repair, especially if they are not prepared.
Karen Rimmer, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure, shared some expert tips with Property24 to help homeowners maintain a secure and well-insured home all year round.
According to Rimmer, maintaining outdoor spaces is crucial to preventing damage.
“With gardens being impacted by drought in some regions, it’s crucial to maintain your sprinkler system to avoid costly damage.
“Regularly check for leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that your outdoor furniture and structures are properly maintained.”
“Encourage water awareness by informing your neighbour about any issues with their taps or water tanks near your property.”
Rimmer also encouraged homeowners to maintain good relationships with neighbours, as issues like water leaks from a neighbour’s property can affect insurance claims.
“Additionally, keep an eye out for fire hazards such as dead shrubs or trees that need to be trimmed back, especially during warmer weather.”
“The summer months, which are just around the corner, can be a time when strong winds arise in some parts of the country, so it’s important to get ahead of any potential hazards.”
Rimmer also explained the importance of year-round roof maintenance to protect homes from weather damage.
“While the roof often goes unnoticed during general home maintenance, it plays a critical role in shielding your home from the elements.”
“Prioritise having a specialist assess the age and condition of your roof to identify any areas of concern.”
Regular inspections by a specialist can help identify issues such as cracked tiles, loose sheeting, or deteriorating timber, which can compromise the roof’s integrity.
“Keep your gutters clear to avoid blockages and ensure that all components are securely fastened to prevent damage during spring or summer storms.”
Looking for leaks inside your house is also important, she explained.
“Water leaks in your home can lead to significant damage if left unchecked, making it essential to address these promptly.”
“By scheduling a thorough inspection with a trusted plumber, you can identify and resolve any hidden leaks in your bathroom or kitchen.”
“Look out for warning signs such as mould, condensation, or damaged flooring, and seek professional assistance if needed.”
Simple tasks like repairing tiles, clearing drains, and resealing vulnerable areas can go a long way in preventing leaks and keeping the home in good condition.
“It’s also significantly easier to repair these kinds of issues when it’s warmer so that repairs will dry faster. This also means you won’t get caught out next year when the cold weather returns.”
She also recommends updating insurance policies to ensure that the replacement value of the property, including any special features like high-end tiling, is accurately covered.
“As the end of the year draws closer, remember to note recurring maintenance tasks on your calendar to ensure they are not overlooked.”
“For example, include your geyser and garden taps on your checklist. Regular upkeep not only protects your property but also saves you time, stress and money in the long run.”
According to Rimmer, it is also important for homeowners to take note of the differences between building insurance and home contents insurance.
Buildings insurance protects the physical structure of your home, including outbuildings and permanent fixtures, from fire, damage, and theft.
“If you’ve got a bond, it’s compulsory to have buildings insurance. This is usually taken care of by your bank, and the premium is ‘hidden’ in your monthly bond repayment.”
“But you’re not obliged to accept your bank’s quote, and you may get a cheaper premium from the insurer that covers the rest of your valuables.”
For this reason, Rimmer suggested that homeowners shop around for better coverage.
“If you own a house, make 100% sure you have buildings insurance. Regardless of whether you have a bond or not.”
Rimmer added that buildings insurance should cover the replacement value, not the market value, which includes the cost to rebuild from the foundations up, plus boundary walls, solar panels, and even demolition and municipal fees.
“It should even include what you would need to pay in a worst-case scenario, like demolition charges and waste removal, and the professional and municipal fees that are part of the building process.”
On the other hand, home contents insurance covers everything inside the house.
“If you could turn your house upside down and shake it, what falls out is home contents – clothes, furniture, TV, wine glasses, the lot. A lot of people don’t have home contents insurance.”
She recommended updating your policy when adding new items or home extensions to ensure that your insurance coverage is comprehensive.
“As with buildings insurance, the key is to make sure you cover your home contents for their current replacement value – don’t guess. And remember, insurers can only protect what they know about.”
“It helps to keep the original receipts for items like big screen TVs, so that you can prove their value if you need to claim. To help you assess your home contents correctly, here’s a handy home contents inventory.”
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