Tips on how to stay safe during a hailstorm

IN THE wake of the hailstorms that battered parts of Gauteng on Monday, insurers Auto & General is urging residents to be vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves and their assets during hailstorm season.

The company has offered advice on what to keep in mind during a hailstorm. In general:

Make sure your vehicle, homeowners and home contents insurance adequately covers you against damage to property caused by hail.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as well as websites or apps for alerts.

If you have shelter, stay put until the storm has subsided.

If there is no shelter, motorists are urged to pull-over onto the side of the road if it is safe to do so.

It is safer not to drive through a storm when visibility is poor, the roads are slick and there is a risk of aquaplaning.

On the road:

Don’t park under trees as there is a risk of falling branches and debris.

If you are on the road, look for cover. Take care when pulling over, put on your hazard lights. Stay in your car.

Your car’s windows will be more prone to fogging up, hampering visibility, so make sure that your car’s defogger is working properly.

At home:

Gutters should be kept clean to channel ice and water away from the roof.

Outdoor equipment and furniture should be moved undercover.

Roof structures should be checked to ensure that they won’t buckle under the weight of the hail.

Floods:

Regular home maintenance, such as clearing debris from gutters, is essential and will limit damage and discomfort in times of disaster.

Turn off gas and electricity flooding occurs.

Motorists should not attempt to drive in flood conditions.

Flash flooding often occurs when rivers flow over low-lying bridges. Avoid crossing bridges or roads next to rivers during heavy rains. If you do get stuck on a flooded road, it’s best to switch to the lowest possible gear and proceed slowly. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid or aquaplane.

If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon the vehicle and climb to higher ground.