The South African Weather Service recently issued a warning for the Mother City as an intense cold front is expected to hit on May 5. As the City of Cape Town gets its ducks in a row in preparation for the coming storm, ensuring that emergency services are on hand, Capetonians seem to be following suit. But apart from grabbing your rain boots and umbrella, how can you prepare for the coming storm? Here are just a few tips to ensure you and your home stay safe.
Don’t forget to insulate:
You may be thinking: “well, duh!” But this is often the most basic but forgotten aspect when prepping for a storm. Make sure you inspect your home for draughts, paying particular attention to the windows and doors. A neat trick to preventing gusts of wind from adding a chill to your home is by opting for thicker curtains.
Get your gutters ready:
Ensure you clean your drainpipes and gutters to ensure that they’re free of leaves or other debris. Clogged gutters may cause water to accumulate, leading to rotting, leaks and extensive damage. It’s better to deal with the effort it takes to clean your gutters now than to deal with an expensive or lengthy repair later.
Check the roof:
A leaking roof is sure to put a damper on things. It’s a good idea to double-check your roof is structurally sound, ensuring that any leaks or damage is mended. After a severe storm, make sure you inspect the roof or contact a professional.
Tread lightly:
During a storm, your home isn’t the only thing that takes a beating your car does too. Roads will be wet and slippery, so motorists must check their car’s tyres. A tyre tread should not be below the legal limit of 1 mm, or level with the tyre-tread depth indicator, as this significantly increases the chance of an accident, especially when it’s wet.
Check your brakes:
Staying with the motoring theme, ensuring that your brakes are in tip-top shape is extremely important. If possible, make sure you get your brakes checked by your trusty mechanic before a major storm. Any metal-on-metal squeaking could be an indication that you will need to replace your brakes.
Add some greens:
This may not be a “storm preparation tip,” but it’s a great way to liven things up while it’s pouring and grey outside. Add a splash of colour to your home by bringing nature into your homes. A few flowers and pot plants are always a great addition.
Picture: Unsplash
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