Storm season is brewing for most parts of the country and with it comes our famed African thunderstorms. While these awesome displays of nature are a spectacular sight to behold, they can also cause profound damage to our homes and cars. This is why we’ve put together a list of ways you can prepare for the next big storm.

Trim your trees

Powerful winds and heavy rains can cause tree branches to snap off and damage whatever is close to them, including windows, cars, and power lines. To avoid this, inspect the trees in your garden for any loose branches or branches that would damage your property if they were to fall off in a storm. Also, look out for trees that are rotten or have exposed roots as they are also likely to fall over in harsh weather. Once you’ve identified these you can hire an expert to trim the branches and/or fell any trees that pose a risk.

Clean your gutters

Maintaining clean and free-flowing gutters is a simple way to safeguard your property against storm damage. You can do this by removing any leaves or debris from your gutters so that rainwater can flow smoothly and freely. In addition to this, ensure that outside drainpipes are also clear, and that water has a clear path to follow.

Inspect your roof

Your roof is your most important defence against the weather, so make sure it’s in good condition. Conduct a roof inspection to look for any holes or leaks ahead of storm season. This way you can address the issues and repair the roof, protecting it against any further damage that could occur.

Secure your outdoor furniture

Right before the storm arrives you want to make sure that you bring in any soft furnishings, such as cushions, throws, and poufs to avoid storm damage. If you cannot move your outdoor furniture inside, then it’s a good idea to push the furniture together to minimise the chances of pieces being blown away.

Park your car in a safe space

Hail is commonly associated with thunderstorms and can cause severe damage to vehicles and houses. If possible, park your vehicle in a closed garage or carport to protect it against storm damage. If you do not have a covered place to park your vehicle, park it away from any trees and power lines that could potentially fall and damage it.

Types of weather conditions to prepare for

With extreme weather events becoming more and more common, it is vital that you know what steps to take should such an event occur.

Flash floods

If your home is located in a low-lying area or close to a body of water, it may be susceptible to flash flooding. You can prepare by:

1. Unplugging electrical appliances
2. Moving important items to high-up places to avoid water damage
3. Rolling up rugs and moving other light furniture
4. Sealing valuable documents such as IDs and birth certificates in zip-lock bags

Hail

Hail is a common occurrence during thunderstorms and can cause significant property damage. Here’s how to get ready:

1. Close windows and doors to avoid hail stones damaging items in your house
2. Hail can break windows, so draw your curtains and blinds to prevent the potential hazard of broken glass blowing into your home

Gale-force winds

Gale-force and strong winds can cause some of the worst storm-related damage. This is what you can do to mitigate the impact:

1. Secure any loose objects that may be blown away
2. Close all doors and windows

Weather is impossible to predict but not entirely impossible to plan for. While taking the necessary precautions and steps can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your property, having the right cover is essential if a natural disaster does occur.

Speak to your Indwe advisor for more information on home and car insurance options. Visit us online at www.indwe.co.za or phone 0860 13 13 14.

Indwe is an authorised financial service provider FSP 3425