Take steps to be safe during load shedding

South Africans check their load shedding schedules on a daily basis, and plan their activities around these times.

A recent consumer survey has revealed that many households are not taking adequate steps to minimise damage and loss during load shedding.

“Load shedding results in increased risk of damage to sensitive electronic items as well as fires,” said Mr Marius Neethling, from Santam.

It is important for people to prepare for load shedding to protect their valuable household items.

According to Mr Neethling, it should also be noted that opportunistic crime as a result of security systems not operating properly has also increased.

“The survey revealed that whereas many people have alarms that work with batteries, many do not and live with the hope that nothing serious will happen while they are in the vulnerable state of not having electricity,” said Mr Neethling.

“People also often do not test the batteries of their alarm systems regularly to see that they are functioning properly,” he said.

Tips to reduce load shedding damage:

• When arriving or leaving home: Ensure you are especially alert when arriving or leaving your home after dark, as the street lights and your outside lighting may not be functioning.
• Automated gates and garage doors: Ensure that you have alternative ways to enter and exit your home if your electric security gates and garage doors are not functioning due to load shedding. Keep the keys to the gate motors in an accessible place.
• Alternative light sources: Invest in solar, camping, battery operated or LED lights, which are much safer than candles or paraffin lamps.
• Generators: Make sure your generator is professionally installed, and never store more than 20 litres of fuel in your house. Test your generator frequently, and remember to have a fire extinguisher of at least 4.5kg on-site.
• Surge protection: You can buy a surge protector for your electric mains board, as well as surge protector plug adaptors, at most leading hardware stores. Surge protectors should be installed by a certified electrician.
• Electric fencing: Your electric fence should have a back-up battery, which needs to be tested regularly and replaced if needed.
• Contact your security company if you feel unsafe at any time during a power failure via your security company’s contact numbers.