Capetonians warned to brace themselves for severe storms

The severe storms being experienced in the Western Cape and impacting on Cape Town are expected to be the harbinger of even worse to come, and people should begin taking precautions to avoid storm-related damage to homes and property, warns Mr Shakeel Ebrahim, Head of Operations at Standard Insurance Limited.

Weather cautionary has been issued for Cape Town by the South African Weather Service for Friday and Saturday, with gale force winds and heavy rains being forecast. The city’s disaster risk management centre has advised the public to take extra precautions during this time.

Besides securing homes, people should also exercise caution when driving. Ensuring that vital equipment such as windscreen wipers, headlights and tyres are in good condition is essential. Avoiding taking to the roads is the best precaution, but if it is necessary that speed should be adapted to suit the circumstances.

To keep your property safe, Standard Insurance Limited recommends that:

Electrical equipment is disconnected from sockets to avoid damage from power surges.

• Roofs are sound and that there are no broken or loose tiles that will cause leaks.
• That all large, but light items such as bins or inflatable boats are safely stowed away or securely tied down.
• Roof gutters are clean and unclogged, so water does not seep onto ceilings
• Windows are kept shut to prevent hail or high winds breaking the glass.

If you can’t avoid driving in adverse conditions, consider:

• Making sure that your car’s fuel tank is full.
• Keeping a safe following distance between your car and others.
• Turn headlights on. Remember that using bright beams in misty conditions can reduce visibility.
• Beware of stalled cars on the road or parked on the sides of the road.
• Using your hazard lights if you have to pull off the road.
• Don’t park under trees, as there is a risk of falling branches and debris
• Never get out of your vehicle, because of possible injury from hailstones
• Don’t attempt to drive through water washing across the road, or across low-water bridges; it could take only 15cm of rapidly moving water to wash away a car.

As it is common for ongoing inclement weather to cause damage and lead to a surge in claims being lodged, Standard Insurance Limited is gearing up to meet the expected demand for assistance.

Claims should be submitted as soon as possible by phone:

• 0860 123 444 for structural or building claims; or
• 0860 109 459 for vehicle claims.

Claims for structural damage to homes can also be submitted online at www.standardbank.co.za/insurance, on the Standard Bank App or can be emailed to HOCClaims@standardbank.co.za