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Damage Control

DAMAGE CONTROL – PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM NATURAL DISASTERS

In the past, many South Africans viewed the devastating pictures that were published following Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Pakistan and the Indian Ocean Tsunami, with sorrow and anguish, but also with a sense of relief that these disasters could not possibly affect the tip of the Southern Hemisphere. Right?

Wrong! We are not immune to natural disasters. This was confirmed last month by the severe storms and devastating waves that shattered the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast, not to mention the recent flooding in Mozambique and the floods that occurred in the Eastern Cape last year. Those who have property close to shore should take special precautions because disasters of this magnitude can and may recur, warns Anthea Abrahams, director of Dial Direct Insurance.

After the storms and floods in Kwa-Zulu Natal, a large number of motor and household insurance claims were submitted by Dial Direct customers. The damage totaled over R1 million and most of the claims were submitted from the New Germany and Durban North areas,” said Abrahams. While events such as freak storms tend to be unpredictable by nature, there has been a marked increase in the occurrence of natural disasters over the last century. This is something people need to keep in mind if they live in coastal regions, or are thinking of building or buying houses on or near the beach.”

Human activity is affecting the environment and is causing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters the world over. The world has experienced three times as many natural disasters during the 1990’s as it did in the 1960’s, according to a report written by the UN Secretary-General.

In addition, research shows that since the 1980’s the average global temperature has increased by nearly 0.5% and the sea level is rising ten times faster than it did prior to 1900. In practical terms, this means that the watermark near coastal regions is rising steadily and will continue to do so unless the global temperature increase stabilises.

With these facts in mind, those who do live on the coast, close to a river or dam or in an area prone to violent storms and flooding, must take special precautions. Dial Direct has the following advice:

1) Remember that if another tidal wave hits and your house is affected, make immediate arrangements to move your family as far away from the disaster area as soon as possible. Tidal waves are often the result of underwater earthquakes, which means that aftershocks can occur. Possessions can be replaced but lives can not!

2) If you plan on building or buying property that is close to the ocean, keep in mind that global warming and climate change is causing sea levels to rise.

3) Make sure that you are insured. Insurance is best used as protection against financially devastating events, and natural disasters certainly qualify. Losing your possessions can be financially crippling. Many people who find themselves in this extremely unfortunate position are unable to manage the costs of replacing their belongings and end up in financial difficulties as a result. Most insurance companies, like Dial Direct, offer cover for the loss or damage caused by fire, lightning, explosion, falling trees (but not while they are being felled), earthquake, storm or flood. At Dial Direct, this cover is included as part of its home contents insurance package and does not come at an additional cost. Peace of mind insurance is a necessity and should not be overlooked.

The adage - it can never happen to me – does not apply anymore. Natural disasters are a reality and one should always be prepared for every eventuality no matter how far-fetched they may seem,” concludes Abrahams.

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