8 ways to arm yourself for load shedding

WITH load shedding a reality of living in South Africa, it is important to be prepared for the inevitable. For those people who don’t have back-up generators, follow these tips for a safe and possibly enjoyable power outage.

1. Download a torch app on your smartphone
There are numerous free apps that can be downloaded to turn smartphones into torches during power outages. Most people have their phones with them at all times, so they should be the first port of call when the power goes out. Also ensure your cell phone is always fully charged.

2. Ensure you always store torches in the same place with fresh batteries
Pick an easily-accessible place in your home and store your torches, candles, matches and lamps there at all times. If you know exactly where to head when the power goes out, you won’t be left stumbling in the dark, tripping over the cat and bruising yourself on the corner of every table. When using candles or lamps, ensure your home is properly ventilated and purchase a fire extinguisher. Check all batteries, torches and extinguishers are in working order every few months and replace when necessary.

3. Always have stock of non-perishable food
It never fails, just as you are about to start cooking, the power goes out. For those times when the neighbourhood fast food outlet is also in the dark (or it’s the end of the month and money is tight), you should always have a supply of tinned food, or other non-perishable items on hand. (A hand-held can opener is also essential. (Something many under 20s are probably unfamiliar with – give them the job of opening the cans and the power outage just might provide you with some light entertainment.)

4. Have light emitting diodes (LEDs) installed in your alarm system
LED’s can be integrated into an alarm system’s wiring to automatically switch on for a maximum of 15 minutes when the power goes out. Managing director of ADT Security’s East Coast, Martin Kriel said an additional battery pack can allow the lights to stay on for a maximum of 40 hours, without draining the primary alarm battery.
He added: “Many people believe their home alarm system is deactivated when the power supply is interrupted, however all modern alarms should have a back-up battery pack that activates automatically when normal supply is interrupted.”

5. Ensure all doors are locked and avoid walking alone in the dark
When the power is out at night, it can be easy to miss an unlocked door or gate. Physically check every entry point in your home to ensure your family is secure for the night. Don’t walk around outside in the dark unnecessarily. Criminals have been known to use power outages as a cover and you become an easier target for them as they are able to creep closer than they normally would. There are other dangers lurking in the dark too – Snake bites Toti pensioner during load shedding.

6. Have a written or printed list of emergency numbers
Just like torches and other supplies, a hard copy list of emergency numbers should be readily-available at all times. Save time in emergencies by having numbers ready and ensure the whole family knows where to find them. This tip not only applies to blackouts, but for everyday emergencies too.

7. Have some non-electrical games at the ready
Before the advent of the internet, people used to spend time playing physical games. (Something else the younger generation might find shocking.) For those nights when the kids whine because they are bored and their phone batteries are dead, bring out the old board games and enjoy some family time by candle or torch light.

8. Do the things you have been putting off without temptation or distractions
If the blackout happens during the day, this might be the opportunity for you to clean the house, paint the fence, walk the dog, or any of the other myriad things you have been putting off. You will be able to get through your tasks, without the distraction of emails or the temptation of TV or uploading the umpteenth photo of your cat pulling funny faces.

Follow these tips and you may just look forward to the next session of load shedding. Do you have any other tips or stories about the blackouts you would like to share?