Santam advises Cape Town residents on severe weather conditions

Cape Town - Santam, has cautioned Western Cape residents to be careful and to exercise extreme vigilance in the wake of a severe storm expected to make landfall over the coming days.      

The SA Weather Service has advised the Disaster Risk Management Centre that Cape Town will experience damaging winds over the next few days. The forecast predicts strong to gale-force south-easterly to easterly winds (70 to 80km/h) and gusts of between 90 and 100km/h between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay, including the coastal towns in the City of Cape Town, Overstrand, Cape Agulhas, and coastal towns of Garden Route.

"Being as prepared as possible, will help prevent damage to your property or car. The cost to repair damage and replace vehicles varies according to the severity of storms," Marius Neethling, Personal Lines Underwriting Manager at Santam said. 

So, how can South Africans in these regions prepare for the storm? Neethling offers some tips to help activate disaster preparedness:

If you are on the road or your vehicle is parked:

• Drive slowly – slower driving minimises the damage of storms and combats slippery roads.
• Locate a safe, covered area in the event of heavy downpours and pull over under an overpass, provided it is safe to do so.
• Undercover parking at malls and petrol stations are good temporary solutions to protecting your car during a storm.
• Take careful note of the extent of the damage to your car; look for damage to all glass items including side mirrors, taillights, and head lights. Taking pictures may be useful when it comes to claims time.
• If you are affected by a storm, report the incident to your insurer timeously.

When you are at home:

• Keep your gutters clean. It is important to clear gutters of leaves, twigs, and any other debris regularly. An overflowing gutter could lead to the water seeping in under the roof  and resultant water  damage. 
• Trimming trees close to your house helps get rid of branches that can cause severe damage during a storm.
• Park your car in the garage or in a sheltered undercover area.
• Ensure that you are adequately covered against in your insurance policy so that you have cover when you need it. 

"Now is not the time to compromise on your insurance cover – it is very important to know exactly what you are covered for and for what amount. Consumers should make sure their policies are up to date and take a note of the insurer's available emergency services. Choose an insurer that assists you in protecting your assets in severe weather situations by sending out weather alerts," concludes Neethling.