Following a long drought season, the Western Cape province is expected to experience a huge storm and gale force winds this week. While this is set to bring relief to the water crisis faced by the province, it is important to be prepared for any dangerous storms that could hit the country.
This post was published on 06 Jun, 2017

“Storms are one of the main reasons that lead to unexpected property damages in South Africa,” says Presodhini Naicker, Head of Brand & Advertising for Old Mutual iWYZE. “Unfortunately, dangerous  storms are one of the few things we have no control over. The best thing one can do is to be prepared in the event of unforeseen circumstances,” she said.

According to the South African Weather  Service, Cape Town can expect heavy rain in the next 3 days starting from Tuesday, 6 June. To keep updated on any changes download weather app like AccuWeather

In case of a dangerous storm, Presodhini advises people on the following tips to keep safe:

  1. Look out for objects that could be easily swept up and picked up by gushes of wind. Examples include boats and bicycles as they are light and can be easily picked up by gusts of wind. Tie them to a pole or if possible, put them in an undercover area or garage.
  2. Ensure any leaks on the roof are repaired to prevent water from dripping into the house that could cause damage to your property and furniture.
  3. Clean out your roof gutters and remove any objects that could block water  from flowing into sewrage drains. The better  the water flow, the more you can prevent any damage to your  roof and the possibility of collapsing walls.
  4. Keep your windows shut to prevent them from being damaged by hail or excessive wind.
  5. Ensure your vehicle wipers and lights are functioning properly in case you are caught in a bad storm. This will ensure you can see and are seen on the road during the storm.
  6. In the event of rain, drive slowly and keep a safe following distance (approximately three cars apart). This allows you to stop in time as the roads will be slippery.
  7. If you decide to pull off the road, keep your hazards on so other motorists can see you.
  8. Keep your phone charged and keep a power bank on hand to ensure you can stay in touch or call for help in cases of emergencies.
  9. The bigger the storm, the faster the winds and water flow which could result in mudflows and floods. Do not park under trees as they can be uprooted and fall on you or your car.
  10. Be vigilant and do not drive across low bridges or intersections that are flooded as your car could be swept up by fast moving water.

Presodhini says the most important thing to focus on during bad storms is safety. “Your life is worth more than valuables. It is always best to be prepared rather find yourself in crisis after the storm,” she concluded.

For more information on iWYZE, visit www.iwyze.co.za or call 0860 93 94 93

 

 

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