After residents in most parts of Krugersdorp were left in the dark following unforeseen load shedding by power entity Eskom on 6 March, a statement was issued that the entity would enforce load shedding only as a last
resort.
Residents however still may end up sitting in the dark in coming weeks. How does one survive without electricity then?
The NEWS compiled a compact load shedding survival kit to help its readers.
Make sure you have the following:
A first aid kit
When the power is cut you are more at risk of an accident. The potential lack of light makes it important that you have first aid items gathered together.
A source of lighting
Candles and matches are a good idea, but your first light source should be a battery-powered torch. These are safer and do not present the danger of fire. Each members of the family needs a torch, and don’t forget spare batteries. Invest in a small LP gas lamp as they provide good quality lighting for a large area, and in a gas heating ring for essential cooking.
Things to consider:
Keep your emergency kit accessible
Remember, you will have to locate it during a power cut, which may mean in the dark. Always keeping the kit in the same place will help your family locate it quickly and without difficulty. It may be a good idea, however, to check the load shedding schedule in your area to be prepared and have your kit ready for when the electricity is cut.
Think about your telephone
Make sure that your cellphone battery is fully charged at all times. Not only is this a good idea regardless of the circumstances, but when landline telecommunications are interrupted due to power outages, you will need your cellphone to reach the outside world.
Transport Adequate fuel in your vehicle is another precaution, given that pumps at petrol stations cannot be operated during power outages.
The same goes for ATMs, therefore some cash stored in a safe place at home is a good idea.
Electric doors and gates
To ensure that you will be able to get into (and out of) you home, release the mechanisms of automatic electric garage doors and switch electric security gates to manual operation. Refrain from opening the refrigerator door during a power outage as this will allow the cold air to escape. By keeping the door closed, a power outage of up to four hours will not cause food to spoil in the fridge, while a freezer should keep frozen food safe for at least a day. It is a good idea to have snacks available that do not need refrigeration.
From a security point of view, ensure that all doors and windows are locked, should your alarm system not have a back-up power supply.
Heating
If you have a fireplace, make sure that you have adequate wood or charcoal for a fire. If not, invest in a gas heater. Not only will this come in handy during an outage, but gas is far more effective for space heating than electricity.
Food preparation
You will need to think about cooking and the like, as load shedding often occurs during the time you would be preparing food for your family. If you know beforehand when your electricity will be down, boil enough water before it happens and pour it into flasks, so that at least you can have your cup of coffee when you need it. A second precaution you could take is to prepare stews, casseroles and curries beforehand and freeze them.
This means you can just heat it up on a gas stove or on a gel stove and have food ready for the family. Alternatively, why not use theopportunity for family bonding? A good, old fashioned braai, a picnic on the lounge flour or a Chinese stir fry (on a skottel braai) could make for a perfect evening with the ones you love.
Entertainment
It is always good to keep children happily occupied during power cuts. If the power cut is during the day time, they could be occupied with all kinds of gaming activities outside. In the evening it becomes a little more difficult, as many families spend time in front of the TV. Yet again, at such times, you would engage in some family activities together. Playing board games is always a good idea, and could also be very beneficial for the mental growth of your children. You also could try one of our gaming suggestions.
After the outage
Once the power had been restored, do not switch on all your appliances at once as the power supply might still be slightly unstable. Only switch on those you need immediately.
It is a good idea to switch appliances on and off systematically to make sure that no damage was caused by the power interruption, and that the equipment is in good working order. Remember to reset electronic clocks, especially your bedside alarm, and other timers that could have been disturbed, such as the pool pump or sprinkler system.
All in all, load shedding needs not be a negative experience for anybody in the family, as long as it is dealt with in an effective way.
* Source: https://www.preschoolguide.co.za/coping_with_power_cuts.html
