OWNING a property is one of the most important invest¬ments most people make in their lives. We work hard to provide a home and a future for ourselves and our loved ones. Why risk los¬ing it when bad weather hits close to home? Severe winds can occur anytime or they can accompany storms like severe thunderstorms and that is why you need to fortify your home beyond this season. Flying debris or downed trees and power lines can make severe winds a threat to lives, property and utilities.
In the wake of recent relentless winds, safeguarding your property against nature’s fury is paramount. Past experiences have taught us to be ready for hailstorms, strong and harsh winds. This, as a re¬sult, exposed many areas in your home that are vulnerable to being worsened by the harsh weather. This does not mean it is over, the prevalent climate change has been hitting us with surprises when it comes to the weather and it seems like more is yet to come.
This is why ensuring your abode stands strong amid gusty challeng¬es is more than mere upkeep—it is a shield of protection for your ha¬ven. From fortifying loose fixtures to taming towering trees whose branches dance dangerously, each precaution secures not just prop¬erty but peace of mind. While you cannot prevent severe winds from happening, there are simple, low-cost ways to secure your property to minimise dam-age and keep your home and your future safe.
INSIDE THE HOME:
Review your insurance policy
Taking a few minutes to check your homeowner’s insurance pol¬icy and verify your coverage can help you process a claim in the future and get back on your feet faster after a storm. Entities like the Swaziland Building Society (SBS) offer insurance policies and they cover against:
• Accidental damage to the struc¬ture of the house
• Fire, lightning and explosion
• Storms and wind
• Water, hail and snow
• Bursting or overflowing of water tanks/pipes
• Riot, strikes and malicious dam¬age
• Earthquake
• Housebreaking, theft or at¬tempted theft following forcible entry or exit
• Power surge
After the damage, you will need to claim with your insurer and with SBS for example, when claiming they need clients to fill in a claim form and then forward it to SBS together with quotations of all the damages including the labour costs, which might include all service providers quotations: Hardware, builder, plumber, welder, etc.
The insurer, in most cases, will then send an assessor who will visit the homestead to assess the extent of damage.
Joining and claim forms can be requested at insurancesales@sbs.co.sz
Protect windows and glass doors with storm shutters. Storm shutters prevent windows from breaking when there is windborne debris. You can also add shatter-resistant film or storm-proof high-impact glass to defend glass from breaking.
Reinforce garage doors and double-entry doors
These doors can fail under wind pressure. Garage doors can be re¬inforced with girts (also known as a sheeting rail) and by strengthening the wheel tracks. Double-entry doors can be reinforced with a heavy-duty deadbolt, adding slide bolts on one of the doors and using longer hinge attachments on the door and frame.
OUTSIDE THE HOME
Fortify your roof
Your roof is your first line of de¬fence in a high wind event. Re-ad¬here any loose shingles and consid¬er impact-resistant shingles when installing a roof. Instal roof strap¬pings to anchor the roof framing to the wall framings so the wind can’t lift your roof off your house.
Trim or remove dead, damaged or rotting trees and limbs High winds can cause trees and branches to fall. Make sure any damaged trees on the property are trimmed or removed on a regular basis. Your home should be at least a full-grown tree’s height away from the base of any tree, usually about 40 feet away. High winds and loose branches are a bad combination. Keep trees and shrubs in good condition and cut down dead trees before they do any damage (check your municipal by-laws before you do this). If you are not comfortable cutting branches yourself, hire a professional.
NOTE: Contact your local utility company to trim any limbs close to utility lines and poles.
Secure objects outside the home
Loose shingles, your dog’s house, trash cans and sports equipment can be picked up by the wind and cause damage to your home. Secure outdoor objects like furniture, guters and downspouts.
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