Adulting is hard. Any number of things can go wrong when you are responsible for grown-up stuff like a household. Not to mention, it can be expensive if you do not have the right kind of insurance. Home insurance can make adulting easier because it protects you from those unforeseen problems that sometimes just happen. If you don’t have home insurance, get an insurance quote today.

Here are a few scenarios that sometimes happen, despite your best efforts, as well as a few tips on how to safeguard against them.

Load shedding can cause a power surge

After a few hours of load shedding, most of us are itching to get back to watching our favourite series, but there are some risks that come with fluctuations in your household power supply. A power surge is a sudden spike in your home’s electrical current and its effect on your household electronics can be disastrous. A surge can damage or destroy your entertainment system, fridge, computers and even your home security system or countertop appliances. To protect your valuable electronics from a surge when the power returns after load shedding, opt for surge protection plugs at major plug points in your home or unplug devices when they are not in use.

A burst geyser can cause flooding

Your geyser supplies your entire home’s taps with both hot and cold water. So, needless to say, it holds a whole lot of H2O. In the case of a burst or leaky geyser, a large volume of water can make its way into your home and wreak havoc as it does. Wooden floors, carpets, cupboards, furniture and electronics are a few of the everyday items that can become damaged when your geyser bursts. To safeguard your home against this type of disaster, a geyser tray is recommended – this won’t stop the leaking, but it can help to catch some of the water that would end up in your home. You can also opt to place the geyser outside rather than in the roof.

Heavy rains can cause flooding 

Rain is a force of nature that can be unpredictable. One day there is a drought, and the next there are flash floods. Flooding caused by rain can damage your car, garden and home. Flooding also causes further damage risks for your home in terms of mould and structural damage and can even cause trees to fall over. To protect your home from smaller floods, make sure waterproofing, drainage and gullies conform to building regulations. In the unfortunate event of a flood, make sure you have home insurance.

Unattended appliances and open flames can cause a fire

Common causes of household fires are unattended cooking equipment, appliances, open fires, braais and candles. While you are not in the room or before you’re off to bed, make sure to switch off all heating appliances, turn off the gas – and never leave an open flame unattended: from a fireplace to a braai, always make sure that the flame is properly extinguished before you leave the room.

If you are the unfortunate victim of one of these or other household disasters – make sure that you are covered with the right budget insurance you can afford. Get home contents insurance for all the personal possessions inside your home and outbuildings. Knowing you are covered will give you the freedom to live your way.

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