15 February 2019 Elite Risk Acceptances
Christelle Colman, Managing Director of Elite Risk
Acceptances
Don’t get caught with your guard down
Amidst the recent countrywide implementation of stage 3 load
shedding by soon to be unbundled state power utility, Eskom, South Africans are
cautioned to protect themselves, their property and their valued belongings.
There are grave potential financial repercussions of not only the load shedding
process, but also the dangerous power surges that can ensue as a result of
electricity outages.
This is according to Christelle Colman, Managing Director of
Elite Risk Acceptances – who says that in her experience, the two most common
risks associated with load shedding in South Africa include the potential
damage to household appliances and the safety threat of security system
malfunctions.
“We’d like to remind South Africans to be extremely vigilant
during this time. The load shedding schedule is made public for all to see,
including criminals and past experience shows that crime often increases during
load shedding. Affluent homeowners are particularly at risk as the allure for
opportunistic criminals to loot homes for popular high-tech appliances and
devices will be strong,” she adds.
Colman recommends that all South African homeowners take the
following proactive steps to mitigate the risk of possible damage or loss
caused as a result of electricity cuts:
1. Unplug appliances: It is always a good idea
to unplug appliances, or any other electronic devices, when the electricity
goes out as these devices are vulnerable to power surges. These appliances, which
include cell phones and computer equipment, can be badly damaged when the power
comes back on due to a spike in electricity flow.
2. Test the alarm system: During load shedding,
alarm power packs and batteries may wear out faster, resulting in reduced functionality.
This may also cause alarm systems to produce false alarms and panic signals.
It is therefore important to test the system regularly by
activating it on purpose; ask your alarm company to service the system on a
bi-annual basis; switch the electricity off to see if the battery is in a
working condition, and ensure that all your alarm peripherals have fresh
batteries if you have a wireless alarm system.
3. Install reserve batteries for fences and gates: To
ensure that electric fencing and gates still work during load shedding, reserve
batteries should be installed and maintained. While reserve batteries generally
last for 6-8 hours when the power goes out, load shedding dramatically
decreases a battery’s lifespan, so it is incredibly important that these are
tested or replaced, especially if the policyholder is planning on going away
over the holidays.
4. Secure your home: In the event that the power
goes out, homeowners are advised to ensure that their homes are locked up and
adequately secured, in order to reduce the risk of a home burglary. This will
not only reduce the risk of a break-in, but will also improve the ease of your
insurance claim in the event that any theft does occur.
5. Be vigilant: Because the load shedding
timetables are open to the public, criminals unfortunately may see blackouts as
an opportune time to undertake illegal activities. As such, extra vigilance is
required, particularly when arriving or leaving the home in the evenings. Keep
a torch in your car should you arrive home in the dark and need to open your
perimeter security gate manually.”
6. Light up your home: During a blackout, people
should make use of solar power or battery-operated lights. In addition,
rechargeable torches and lights should also be kept in the home and car – but
remember to keep these charged!
7. Be aware of generators: While homeowners may
purchase generators, it is critical that these are never used inside the home
or in an enclosed area. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal
if inhaled and is highly flammable.
8. Review your insurance policies: Homeowners
need to review their insurance policies to see what is covered in the event of
loss or damage to the home or its contents during a blackout. Policyholders are
advised to speak to their insurance brokers about any additional cover that may
be needed.
Load shedding is not new to South Africans anymore, says
Colman. ”We’ve been here before and we have a fairly good idea of what the risks
are. It is therefore essential that each and every South African take these
necessary steps in order to reduce their risk of financial loss resulting from
blackouts, including ensuring that they have adequate insurance cover in place.
“Insurance is there to ensure homeowners are able to replace their valuable assets, should they need to, but it’s up to you to make sure you have the right cover in place and that you are taking all the necessary precautions to protect your assets,” concludes Colman.