LOCKDOWN LEVEL 4 – EMERGENCY REPAIRS

National lockdown has caused all of us to neglect certain things at home as we have not had our usual access to our tried and trusted service providers. We have neglected servicing our cars, repairing the electrical connection that the dog chewed, not to mention the roof that’s still leaking and as for the window the children broke while playing cricket in the garden…
Well, the good news is that the solution to your problems has finally arrived. On Friday, May 1 the lockdown will move to level 4 so electricians, roof repairers and automotive services will be able to trade. And while this is undoubtedly very good news, it is important to remember that when leaving your home, all Covid-19 health and safety protocols must still be followed at all times, including observance of social distancing, sanitation and hygiene, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment like cloth face masks, as determined by the National Department of Health.

Having a plumbing emergency in lockdown is anyone’s worst nightmare. Do it yourself videos, quick fix tricks, asking a friend or the desperate go-to – wrapping a towel around it – can only go so far. Luckily during level 4 plumbers are considered an essential service. This means you have the chance to finally fix that leaking pipe, blocked drain, overflowing toilet, clogged bath or shower outlet, and that ever so annoying dripping tap.

We all know the inconvenience of being without power during load shedding, which (for now) is one thing we DON’T have to worry about. But no load shedding doesn’t always mean no blackouts. Storms and short circuits can also cause power to fail. Now help is at hand – the Level 4 lockdown draft framework includes electricians. So if your kettle is causing the power to trip or your oven simply refuses to get hot, you may now call on your favourite ‘sparky’ to work his magic.

Good news! Friday May 1 will probably be the last time you will need to empty the bucket you strategically placed under that leak in the roof. While the rainy season is largely over, don’t get complacent. Those sudden storms that blow up seemingly out of nowhere can make you particularly miserable in the winter chill if you haven’t taken care of routine repairs and maintenance. Roof repairs have been ruled an essential service on Level 4 of the lockdown, so now’s the time to sort out the leaking roof, clogged gutters, and any storm damage that might need attention.

Most of us haven’t given our vehicles a second thought during lockdown. And while we may (or may not!) have enjoyed the forced ‘rest’, this period of inactivity might not have been so good for your car. If you find that the battery is flat, the brakes are squealing, the tyres are deflated or the electronics have died, never fear – the automotive industry has been identified as an essential service so you can now leave the worrying to the professionals.

No more expensive broken windows to replace or crazy cat burglar antics to amuse your neighbours when you find you have locked yourself out of your home or vehicle. From May 1 you will be able to call your friendly locksmith to come and save the day. They will also be able to help if you need new keys cut, or new locks installed for your safety and peace of mind.

Active children are bound to get into trouble sometime, especially when they have been cooped up at home for an extended period of time. Working off that excess energy in the garden has no doubt led to a window or two being sacrificed in the name of hitting a six in a spirited game of cricket, or thanks to an errant Frisbee. Ditch the cardboard or bin bag and masking tape and get the glazier!