by Would you be able to take cover and protect yourself in time if a cyclone or natural disaster had to take place? This is the question we should be asking ourselves in light of Cyclone Dineo and Cyclone Enawo that broke through Madagascar and managed to reach as far as Mozambique.
Tropical Cyclone Enawo compilation made by Storm Report SA. @venter_annette @eNCAWeather @JoelGuy_ @VanDamCNN @peoples_weather @huisgenoot pic.twitter.com/sNYDS1Bfad
— Storm Report SA (@StormReportSA1) March 7, 2017
Cyclone Enawo comes just three weeks after Cyclone Dineo threatened mass devastation. Thankfully, Dineo was downgraded to a tropical depression after losing energy and intensity as it moved overland.
Could you weather in a tropical cyclone? Here’s what you should know.
Are You Prepared For A Natural Disaster?
Natural Disaster Supplies
- Food and water
- Lighter and matches
- Torch and batteries
- First aid and medication
- Local maps
- A multitool
- Cash and important family documents
- Duct tape and cordage
‘Grab And Go’ Bags
All the above supplies should go into your ‘grab and go’ emergency bag that you can grab in a disaster. Many suggest avoiding buying pre-assembled ‘GG’ bags as the contents need to be specific to your area and its specific emergency requirements.
Double-Check Your Insurance Policies
Have you acquired new valuables or household contents that are not on your household insurance? Now may be the time to recheck just how much coverage you have and how much you stand to lose should a natural disaster occur. Perhaps enquire about how you can save by combining your car and household insurance.
Also, make sure you ask your insurance provider about any situations where your car insurance claim could be rejected and what your specific policy covers. You may not even be covered for as much you think you are.
Compare car insurance quotes across a number of providers and see if you can find a more reliable policy at a more affordable monthly premium. Previous users have saved up to 30% on their monthly premium!
What To Do During A Cyclone
If a cyclone is likely in your area, you should:
- Listen to the radio or TV for information.
- Secure your home.
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
- Move to the evacuation center – if it is safe to move.
- If you are unable to evacuate, secure yourself in a room, preferably without windows.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors.
- Take shelter in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
- At the height of the storm, try and lay as low as possible to avoid flying debris.
