Preparing For Summer Rains

South Africa can take a sudden turn if you are not prepared. In large proportions of the interior, weather conditions include summer rainfall, which can result in severe and dangerous consequences if you are not ready.

Here is how to prepare for the rainy season to make sure that you are not caught off guard:

In general:

• As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check the local weather forecast each day to make sure that you are not caught off guard during a thunder or hailstorm.
• Subscribe to a weather app that supplies real-time warnings such as hail and flash flood warnings – these will warn you of dangerous incoming weather with real-time locational notifications.

In the home:

• Make sure that your windows close properly and are weatherproof, particularly from rain and hail.
• Move valuable or delicate items away from windows as you never know when hail or rain may break through and cause damage.
• When you see a storm coming in, go around your home and unplug as many electronic devices as possible to prevent lightning damage.
• Keep your gutters clear andmake sure your water is free-flowing so that when large amounts of rain or hail fall water can flow away safely.
• Regularly trim your trees – tree limbs can damage your home, a vehicle, or even your neighbours’ property, especially during heavy rain and hail storms.

For your car:

• When possible, park in areas that provide cover because you never know when a rain or hail storm will strike. It’s also a good idea to seek shelter for your parked vehicle (even if there’s no storm) because the South African sun is pretty intense and does not bode well for electronics, car interiors and paint in the long term.
• If you find yourself in a hailstorm, seek cover wherever possible – a parking garage or covered area is ideal, but if not, a petrol station or safely under an overpass is also an option.
• If you have to park where your car is exposed, it may be a good idea to invest in a car cover – when your vehicle is stationary for long periods, you can cover your vehicle and protect it from the elements.
• Keep up to date on your car insurance requirements to ensure that you have the best possible cover for your needs. If you do not have insurance, get an online insurance quote to protect your car against unforeseen incidents such as hail damage.

Despite your best efforts, the weather can be unpredictable, so make sure that you have comprehensive car and home insurance to protect you from unforeseen weather damage to your home or car.

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