Day Zero Positioning Alert

We are working hard to mitigate the impact of Day Zero on clients and share the following advice from an Insurer to and to highlight the necessity to take precautions that minimize the possibility of insurable risks, such as fire damage.

Where clients would typically be covered in the event of secondary impacts, for example in the case of fire or flood damage. It should, however, be noted that clients should continue to maintain protective measures against such risks, especially where these are a condition of cover. Insurer's therefore recommended that commercial clients ensure that, if applicable to them, they have:

• Implemented fire detection and/or sprinkler systems updates and upgrades (including booster pumps and water tanks), to ensure cover in the event of fire,
• Electrical connections/plumbing are completed and approved by registered professionals,
• Firefighting equipment is assessed and tested.

Personal Clients need to be aware of the following:

• That in the event Day Zero arrives; they ensure that all taps are turned off in households. This will prevent potential flooding when municipal water is turned on again,
• Consult with a pool expert and get advice on whether it is advisable to empty your pool. The emptying of pools can compromise their structural integrity, causing them to collapse. Should this happen, it probably would not be covered by most insurance companies. The best thing to do is to ensure households use a pool cover to minimize water evaporation.
• Switch off your geyser. We have consulted with the relevant geyser experts who have advised us that the onset of Day Zero should have no effect on a South African National Standards-compliant geyser. It is, however, more prudent to switch the geyser off.