With parts of South Africa being ravaged by heavy rain and floods, leading to loss of life and significant damage to properties and vehicles, Auto & General Insurance is urging South Africans to be vigilant and adopt a proactive mindset to avoid disaster.<\/p>\n
Ricardo Coetzee, head of Auto & General Insurance, said, \u201cWhat starts out as a couple of drops of rain can very rapidly develop into a very serious and life-threatening situation.<\/p>
\u201cSouth Africans are urged to take practical steps to better protect themselves and to have proper emergency plans in place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Auto & General offers the following tips:<\/p>
General rules to remember:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 General and regular home maintenance, like checking structures around your house for weak spots, clearing debris from gutters, cutting away dead trees and branches and ensuring adequate drainage of water, is essential and will significantly reduce your risk. Reinforcing vital structures if you live in a rain\/flood-prone area is also a good idea.<\/p>\n \u2022 Good vehicle maintenance – making sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape and won\u2019t let you down, even when the proverbial \u201chigh water\u201d comes.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you notice that there\u2019s insufficient drainage, or a possible safety hazard due to cracking structures and roads, landslides, rock falls etc., in a public area, alert the authorities immediately.<\/p>\n \u2022 Always keep an eye on the weather forecast, look out for warnings of heavy rains and avoid danger areas \u2013 like roads where drainage is poor – wherever possible.<\/p>\n \u2022 Make sure to have all emergency numbers, including that of your insurer, saved on your phone or memorised. Make sure that your whole family is thoroughly briefed on what to do and who to call in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n \u00a0Heavy rain: \u2022 <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Heavy rains are often associated with lightning. The power surge of a lightning strike can easily overload most appliances and devices. It\u2019s best to unplug these before the storm arrives.<\/p>\n \u2022 Where possible, park your car under cover and delay travelling until the storm has subsided.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you are caught in a heavy storm and you feel it\u2019s not safe to drive, look for cover, pull over and\/or seek shelter. This could include a covered car park, a petrol station or under a bridge. However, take extreme care when pulling-over, put on your hazard lights, and don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t park under trees as there is a danger of falling branches and debris.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n What to do when driving in heavy rain<\/a><\/p>\n Tips to help you prepare for severe weather<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Floods:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 <\/strong>It is sensible to purchase your own supply of sandbags, especially if you\u2019re in a flood-prone area, like one close to a river or on a hillside. 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Move high value items to the highest possible floor or shelf if a flood threatens.<\/p>\n \u2022 Turn off electricity and gas supplies if flooding occurs to limit the risk of electrical shock or a fire.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you see warning signs like water seeping through the door or water eating away at your home\u2019s walls and foundations, it\u2019s best to head for higher ground immediately. Do not wait for it to become a life-threatening crisis.<\/p>\n \u2022 Motorists should not attempt to drive in flood conditions. Remember that just 15cm of moving water can knock you off your feet and water just 60cm deep can sweep a vehicle away. You also run the risk of flooding your vehicle\u2019s air intake, which will stall the engine. Generally, if the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors or the bottom third of your wheels, it is not advisable to drive through it.<\/p>\n \u2022 Flash flooding often occurs when rivers flow over low-lying bridges.\u00a0 Avoid crossing bridges or roads next to rivers during heavy rains. If you do get stuck on a flooded road, it\u2019s best to switch to the lowest possible gear and proceed slowly.<\/p>\n \u2022 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 If your vehicle gets stuck during flooding, or starts to get washed away, rather abandon the vehicle and climb to higher ground. It is dangerous to try and drive out of the water to safety.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s wise to remember that your life and that of your loved ones is worth more than any house or car, so don\u2019t risk it at any cost,\u201d said Coetzee.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso ensure that, in the event that disaster does strike, you have adequate insurance in place to cover the complete repair or replacement cost of your house, vehicle and other possessions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n
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