Proactive steps to prepare for winter chill

South Africans are urged to take proactive steps to adequately prepare for the winter chill. “Winter poses some unique risks,” says Elmarie Twilley, spokesperson for Afrikaans insurance brand, Virseker.

“It’s therefore imperative to ensure that you are aware of these risks and are thoroughly prepared both at home and on the road.”

Virseker offers the following crucial home safety and driving tips for winter: Tips for around the house:

Gutters – check all gutters and your house’s roof for a build-up of leaves, as these not only cause a fire hazard in the dry winter months, but also blockages.

Cracks – check all structures, especially support structures for roofs and decks, for cracks. When moisture gathers in these cracks and freezes at night, they expand, causing even more damage.

Snow and frost – Make sure the structures around your home can handle the extra weight, and that you are equipped to clear any build-ups as need be.

Geyser – have your geyser checked to make sure that parts like the element and thermostat are working, that all wiring is safe and that there are no leaks. Consider investing in a geyser timer and geyser blanket.

Circuit breaker – check that this is working properly. A faulty trip switch could significantly increase the risk of a fire.

Cables and wiring – check all cables of your heating appliances for cracks and breaks to avoid the risk of fire.

Electric blanket – check forfaulty wiring as this poses a fire and electrocution risk.

Switch off during power failures.

Fuels – make sure devices that use fuels like gas and paraffin are in good working order. Tips for your car:

Wiper motors – If your car is parked outside, be sure to turn the wipers off before turning off your car. Ice build-up on the wiper blades may strain or burn out the wiper motor if the wipers are used immediately on start-up.

Tread – Make sure your tyres have adequate tread.

Pressures – Low temperatures can cause low tyre pressure.

Charged and oiled up – Engines are harder to start due to lower battery power and oil fluidity caused by lower temperatures so check your battery.

Fight the freeze – Use the correct mix of antifreeze and water to ensure optimum freezing and boiling point. A concentration of between 40% and 50% (by volume) is recommended by the Automobile Association.