While load shedding can be a very annoying inconvenience, it should also be a wakeup call for homeowners to get serious about how they use power to avoid strain on the already limited resources. Reducing your power demand not only saves you money, but also translates to reduction of the load on the national power grid, which can go a long way in stabilising power supply.
Here are a few tips that you can use to alleviate the unpleasantness that comes with load shedding:
Be Prepared
- Be updated with load shedding schedules from your local municipality
- Ensure that your electronics, such as phones and cameras, are fully charged before the load shedding schedules or before arriving at your destination
- Carry cash as some ATMs may not operate during power
- Top-up your petrol tanks since some petrol stations may not pump fuel during power outages
What to Pack
No matter where you are, it’s always better to be prepared than being caught in the dark. The following items will help you beat any form of emergency:
- Extra batteries
- Torch
- Solar-powered lanterns or gas lamp to give you quality lighting for large areas
- Candles
- Matches: Try to keep them in easy-to-find places such as in cupboard with the candles
- Thermos flask: You can fill it with hot water so that you can still enjoy coffee or a cup of tea in the dark
- Tinned food or dry snacks
- Gas stove
Securing Your Home
A few extra security measures will keep you and your family peace of mind during load shedding periods:
- Ensure that you replace your alarm batteries with new ones. Generally, good alarm batteries will take for a span of 6 to 8 hours
- Ensure that your automated doors and gates are well secured
- Ensure that your battery operated lights are working and that they are installed at strategic points in your home to provide you and your household with some lights during power outages
Dining
Lack of power doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat. Get back to basics with the following meal ideas:
- Toasted sarmies on gas stove
- Cold meats and salads
- Snack platters with foods like bread, cold meats, pate, cucumber sticks, sundried tomatoes, savoury biscuits, and cheese among others.
- Potjie
- Braai
Entertainment
Power outages provide a great opportunity to get offline and spend some time with your friends. Bring along:
- Bottle of wine or whisky to enjoy the candlelight
- Card and board games
- Laptop with your funny movies on. Ensure that your battery is charged
- Dumbbells if you love exercising
- Guitar for storytelling around the fireplace
- A novel to read by the lantern light
- Walking shoes or boots for a moonlight stroll
Bottom Line
Preparation is key during load shedding periods. Remember to switch off or unplug all your appliances immediately the power is off to protect them from power surges when the power comes back.