News, Tips & Publications

Large parts of South Africa have been lashed by hail, tornadoes, and heavy rains in recent weeks, causing flooding and extensive property damage. For those living in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, Attie Blaauw, Head of Personal Lines Underwriting at Santam – South Africa’s largest insurer – offers some advice to intermediaries and clients on how to lower risks associated with property or personal injuries during these extreme weather events.

How to protect your vehicle

1. If possible, use a GPS or Google Maps to search for covered parking facilities nearby (such as a shopping mall).
2. Pull over at a safe location, take the floor mats from the car and place them on the roof, bonnet, and boot lid, ideally securing them with a heavyweight.
3. Cover your car with thick fleecy blankets.
4. Think of investing in a low-cost vehicle carport.
5. Ensure that your car is insured for the correct value and that your policy will cover hail damage.

How to protect your house:

1. Clear gutters of debris frequently to ensure less chance of overflow that could lead to water pushbacks and potential internal water damage.
2. Inspect the roof regularly and be vigilant about maintaining it.
3. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent branch or debris damage to a home.
4. Secure outdoor furniture or move it under cover.
5. Ensure that your home and household contents are insured for the correct replacement value.

Do you know that Cyber Security Risk is the 4th Highest Risk in the world?

With 68% of the population that has access to the internet, the question is not if, but when will you fall victim to a cyber-attack.

In a business, just 1 person with a weak password can cause a security breach. When we think back on the security breach at one of the South African Credit Bureaus thousands of users’ ID numbers, contact details, etc. were leaked to syndicates. And this was caused by only one user with a weak password namely password!

Tips on preventing an attack:

• When using a public network at a hotel, restaurant, etc. make sure that you have a VPN service installed on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
• When you log on to the internet make sure that the website address starts with the following HTTPS:// to ensure that this website is a secure site
• Run regular updates on your electronic devices.
• Passwords – Use different passwords for each account. A password consisting of 8-12 characters, letters, numbers, and special characters
• Do not click on any unknown link that you receive via email.

Cyber Insurance products are available in the short-term insurance market

Contact us at Coresure Brokers to obtain a quote for yourself and or your business!

PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO KEEP  BUSINESSES CYBER SAFE

The pandemic hasn’t just impacted how businesses operate, but also how businesses use technology according to the Santam Insurance Barometer 2020/2021. To adapt to the new normal, many companies have had to digitize faster than they had planned, exposing them to new and unfamiliar risks. With cybercrime on the rise, businesses need to be extra vigilant in avoiding disastrous data breaches and other cybersecurity incidents. Not just a big business problem Cyber risk must be confronted – and not only by larger companies. While bigger businesses may seem like a more attractive target, smaller ones are easier to attack as they often lack advanced security measures. Both must recognize just how serious a threat cybercrime is and ensure they are adequately protected against its potentially crippling effects. New security measures for a new normal With a hybrid way of working in place at many businesses, it’s more important than ever to maintain information security and privacy on all sides. This means that companies need to meet with their IT departments to adjust their cybersecurity strategies.

These security measures could include:

• Providing work-issued devices to all employees working from home.
• Installing comprehensive anti-malware protection to detect malicious threats.
• Regular updates to address previously recognized vulnerabilities. In addition, devices should only be used for work-related tasks to control the nature of online interactions, while business insurance policies should be broadened to include working from multiple locations.

The importance of secure internet access:

An unsecured home network can give hackers access to view important information stored on computers and other devices that are connected to the same network. Some preventative measures include:

• Changing default WiFi names to make it harder for specific home connections and router manufacturers to be recognized.
• Changing default passwords often, ensuring they contain at least 20 characters with a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols.
• Turning off wireless networks when leaving the house.

With most South African consumers still checking their load-shedding schedules, the use of gas appliances has increased quite a bit over the past few months. Whether you’re considering buying a gas stove or have already purchased a gas heater to ward off the winter chill, there are several safety considerations you need to take into account when you have your gas appliances installed. Although gas is safe to use if installed by regulations, the most common types of hazards associated with its use of it include explosions and fire. There are several guidelines to take into consideration where the installation of gas is concerned.

The following top three tips regarding installation can be found in the South African National Standards (SANS) guide under gas installation regulations:

• Gas bottles may not be installed less than 1 meter sideways from doors and windows.
• All copper pipes going through a wall must be sleeved.
• Your gas installation must be accompanied by a certificate of conformity for gas appliances

Santam’s underwriting team furthermore provides the following advice for homeowners regarding gas safety:

• Gas Equipment/systems must be installed by SABA requirements (SANS087)
• When a property where a gas appliance is installed, is sold, a certificate of conformity must be obtained for the gas system and must be provided to the purchaser.
• Only gas bottles containing less than 19 kg of gas may be stored inside a building
• When gas stoves are in use, ensure sufficient ventilation, do not open the gas flame to high, and make sure the gas is turned off properly after use.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact us at admin@coresure.co.za or call us on 0879852335.

Thunderstorms, hail, heavy rain, and flooding are all part of the seasonal weather patterns in the summer rainfall areas of South Africa.  But sudden and severe weather events present increased dangers and risks to motorists and pedestrians alike.  

As a road user, the key is to take precautions and be prepared. 

• If at all possible, avoid areas prone to flooding – particularly in periods of heavy downpours
• Monitor the local radio stations in your area for weather and traffic updates and plan your route accordingly 

Driving through a downpour 

• Reduce your driving speed in rainy conditions and increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Be alert and be aware of the road conditions in front of you
• Make sure your headlights are switched on (Do not put these on the bright setting)
• Be alert and be aware of the vehicles around you – particularly in times of poor visibility
• Obey the rules of the road, especially any temporary signage or hazard warnings around flooding

Should you find yourself in deep water

• Stay calm and stay alert – do not panic
• Avoid driving through sections of water where you are unable to see the road, this is both risky and dangerous
• Do not drive around or through barricades – they have been put there for your safety
• Should your vehicle be trapped by rising water, stop your vehicle then get out of your vehicle and move to safer or higher ground. Your safety and the safety of your passengers are more important than your vehicle

Here are some precautions to take to prevent hail damage to your car, whether you are driving and caught in a hailstorm, or your car is parked outside at home or work:

1. Stock up on fleecy blankets: If there is no undercover parking area to protect your car, vehicle owners should layer their cars with thick blankets to minimize the impact of hailstones and reduce the need for car dent repair. These blankets can be purchased at a minimal cost and left in the boot of your car.
2. Drive like Miss Daisy: If there is no cover nearby and you have to drive in a hailstorm, drive slowly (if possible) and cautiously. Also, put your hazards and lights on. Driving cautiously may reduce damage because the hail will ricochet off the surface of the vehicle while driving fast and might cause a collision – especially on wet, slippery roads.
3. Make sure we have your number: Be sure that Santam has your cell number on record and you will receive an automated hail pre-warning message from Africa Weather to ensure you are not caught in an unexpected hailstorm while driving. In severe cases hail can be as big as a cricket ball – call 0860 505 911 to double-check your details.
4. Use your smartphone: Load the locations of nearby covered parking garages into your GPS or smartphone, which will be helpful if you’re on the road and need a safe sheltered area immediately. When hail is predicted, head for the closest undercover area to ride out the storm in safety. If you can’t reach it before the hailstones hit, pull under an overpass, a petrol station canopy, or a similar spot that can protect your car from hail damage. Hail will cause more damage to a moving vehicle.
5. Find an alternative use for your floor mats: If you’re caught in a vicious hailstorm and can’t find cover, pull over in a safe location, grab the floor mats, and put them on the roof and hood. This solution has its limitations – the mats won’t cover the entire car and you may have trouble keeping them in place if it’s extremely windy. However, this cover can help minimize the costs of dent repair, dent removal, and other hail damage repair.

Be safe at home during a hailstorm

While hailstorms can be unpredictable, hail originates from thunderstorms so keep an eye out for weather reports in your area. Here’s how to stay safe at home: 

1. Keep those blinds down: Close all drapes, blinds, or shades to prevent broken window glass and hailstones from entering your home or injuring you or your family.  
2. Make sure you maintain your trees: Removing weak branches and eliminating trees that could fall on your home during a hailstorm is very important as falling trees and blowing debris in storms often cause fatalities and severe structural damage. 
3. 3. Raid the linen closet: If your home doesn’t have a garage, you see your carport cover is going to fly off and a local weather advisory issues a hail warning, cover your car with any unused blankets, and comforters, or large towels that you may have. Add as much cushioning as possible, the more layers the better.
4. Keep your gutters clean: It’s important to regularly clean gutters of leaves, twigs, and any other debris. Hail takes a while to melt and an overflowing gutter could lead to a leaking roof and further damage. 
5. Quality matters: When fitting or replacing gutters, quality matters. Better quality gutters can withstand increased water flow during rainfall and hailstorms. When building, it’s sensible to opt for impact-resistant roofing, as it will prevent any serious damage to the roof structure.

December to April is fire season in the Western Cape and according to Working on Fire (WoF), an integrated fire management initiative, it is already the worst fire season recorded in seven years. And it is not yet February – which, as it is usually the windiest month of the year, is traditionally the high-alert month.

Almost 99% of all fires are caused by human negligence, they are mostly caused by electrical faults or carelessness. Cigarettes, matches and lighters, candles, heating appliances, and open braai fires can all cause fires if not carefully monitored.

It is not an only human error that causes fires. Environmental factors such as changing weather patterns and urban spread increase the risk of fires with the effects and level of damage often being felt more severely. The South-Easter wind coupled with high temperatures makes ideal conditions for wildfires to run rampant.

To prevent the loss of lives and property, everyone needs to be aware of the danger of fire during this season. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Always extinguish fires and safely dispose of hot ash, coal, and cigarettes
• Always work in an open, cleared area when working with power tools
• Ensure that your electrical appliances are correctly wired
• Keep the area around your home clear of flammable materials
• Only burn rubbish on cooler, wind-still days, provided you have a burning permit
• Never leave an open fire unattended
• Only use fireworks and Chinese lanterns far from areas prone to fire
• Register with the Fire Protection Association for enhanced security – failure to do so will have a court automatically assume you are guilty of negligence in the event of a liability lawsuit.  

Earthquakes or tremors are not common in South Africa but the 3’5 magnitude earthquake in Oudtshoorn earlier last week highlights the importance and value of ensuring your safety and the safety of those you love. Santam’s experts recommend the following guidelines in the event of an earthquake, or severe tremor, no matter where you are.

When indoors

Always stay calm and kneel or sit on the floor. When you are in this position, it protects you from falling and allows you to move around if necessary;

Try to crawl under a large, sturdy object such as a strong table or desk to avoid being struck by falling debris from the roof, ceiling, or walls.

Stay away from windows, mirrors, or loose standing cupboards as this might fall on you in the event of a tremor;

Try to use the stairs to evacuate from a building and not the lift. Only evacuate when you are sure it is safe to do so;

If you’re outdoors

Move away from exterior walls of buildings to avoid being struck by falling debris from collapsing walls, windows, and roof tiles/sheeting;

Stay far away from power cables, trees, and structures that could collapse and fall on top of you; and

Kneel and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands until the tremors/shaking stops.

If you’re driving

Stop your vehicle as quickly and as safely as possible;

Do not stop next to large buildings, trees, under bridges, or overhead power lines; and

Only get out of your vehicle when you are sure it is safe to do so.

If you’re trapped

Stay calm and try not to disturb unstable structures that could collapse; and

If possible, shout or tap on a pipe or wall where rescuers can locate you.

Summer is here and with it comes the possibility of torrential rain and flooding in large parts of South Africa. Historically, most incidents of flooding take place during December, January, and February. Flooding can happen anywhere during the summer months and is not always linked to the rain season. They can occur as a result of other weather phenomena, particularly in coastal areas where sea surges can coincide with higher than normal water levels in rivers.

We’ve put together some advice and tips on how to prevent damage to your home and your belongings as well as what to do in the event of a flood.

• When shopping around for a home, remember to ask about flooding potential in the area you’re buying in. It helps to know which potential risks you face before the time.
• In the event of torrential (and heavy) rain, always try and divert ‘runoff’ away from your house if possible.
• Identify areas where water is likely to pool and flood into your home and address these by installing preventative measures such as a dry well. You could also consider installing tubes and pipes which could facilitate water into and out of the well.
• Ensure that stormwater infrastructure (conventional stormwater infrastructure quickly drains stormwater to rivers and streams) is kept clean on your property as well as on the road outside the property.

Pack an emergency box. If you live in an area that’s known for flooding and make sure you know what to do when your house floods.

What happens when lightning strikes?

Whilst there are a few theories around, it is the cloud-to-ground phenomena where the lightning arcs with the ground, structures (buildings, towers, etc.), and plant life such as trees that affects us. A lightning bolt can set leaves or a tree ablaze which often spreads rapidly with the prevailing wind that usually accompanies a thunderstorm.

Roughly 80% of wild-land fires in South Africa are caused by human carelessness with a smaller portion attributable to lightning.

Lightning protection 

The best place to be when lightning strikes, is indoors or in your car. If you happen to be outside during a thunderstorm, never seek shelter under a tree.

Make sure you unplug all your appliances and electronic equipment before a thunderstorm threatens. A flash of lightning lasts a second, however, the time-consuming process of replacing damaged goods can take much longer.

Preparation is important.  Draw up a list of emergency numbers and make sure that it is either well displayed or easily accessible in the event of a thunderstorm.

Here are some more lighting safety tips* and advice on how to stay safe in a storm*.

Protect your home and business against lightning/fire

Surge protection is essential to any home and business. Have an electrician check the wiring system regularly. Installing a surge protector or lightning arrester will give you peace of mind during a storm and help prevent damage.