Don’t get left in the dark during loadshedding

The reality of living in South Africa is that loadshedding has become the new normal. With Eskom having to constantly implement power outages across the country, it’s becoming increasingly important for people to stay safe and safeguard their possessions during these periods. While it’s frustrating, it’s something we’re going to have to deal with over the next few years as Eskom continues to have challenges meeting its supply commitments.

In an attempt to limit the impact that loadshedding has on you, your loved ones, and belongings, here are some helpful tips and steps you can take:

• Have an alternative power source ready

If your home or business relies on electricity as a primary source of lighting and/or heating, then having an alternative power source ready is essential during loadshedding periods. This can be as simple as having spare batteries for flashlights, or candles in case the lights go out unexpectedly, or as complex as having an alternative generator installed.

• Get a back-up battery pack for your phone

If you’re like most people, your smartphone is essential for communication and entertainment during times of loadshedding. If you don’t already have one, get yourself a portable battery pack, so that you can charge your phone while there isn’t electricity available. This will give you peace of mind that even when there’s no electricity, you’ll still be able to communicate with your co-workers, friends, and family members.

• Familiarise yourself with your area’s loadshedding schedule

Take note of when the next power outage is scheduled to take place, and plan accordingly. This way, you and your loved ones can prepare yourselves mentally for what is coming ahead of time rather than being caught off guard by a sudden blackout.

• Switch off appliances not in use during power outages

Make sure all your electrical equipment and gas appliances are turned off during periods of loadshedding, as this will prevent fires and reduce strain. You may also want to consider purchasing a surge protector for your home appliances, such as your fridge, microwave, and other sensitive electronic items.

• Keep your refrigerator closed

During a power outage, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible, as it will lose its cool air faster than usual when opened frequently. This will help to prevent your food from spoiling prematurely. It also helps to prevent food from freezing and breaking down too quickly, which can make it unsafe to eat.

If you are considering investing in a generator, or already have one, it’s important to keep in mind that they can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some tips on how to use them safely:

• Make sure you get a generator installed by an expert, such as an electrician or qualified technician. A poorly installed generator can be dangerous and cause accidents. It could also result in electrocution and fire hazards.
• Never operate a generator indoors or in any enclosed space – only in well-ventilated areas. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly when inhaled in high concentrations. Even when used outside, generators can produce levels of carbon monoxide that pose serious health risks if used for extended periods of time.
• Generators produce sparks when they start up and while running, which can ignite flammable objects such as grass or leaves around them, causing fires. Make sure that there aren’t any flammable substances around your generator when you start it up or run it for long periods of time.
• Never refuel a generator when it is still running – this could cause serious injury and even death due to explosions caused by gasoline fumes igniting in contact with hot surfaces inside the carburettor or around spark plugs.
• Keep your children away from a generator — even when it’s turned off. They can easily be injured by any part of the generator that comes into contact with them. Animals, such as cats and dogs, can also fall victim to carbon monoxide poisoning from a running generator if they are not kept separate from it by a barrier that does not have holes or cracks through which they might crawl or jump through.

Generators can be very handy during power outages, but you need to use them safely. As our guide above shows, there are plenty of safety measures you can take when working with generators. These precautions may seem unnecessary at first glance, but they will go a long way towards keeping you and your loved ones safe while dealing with loadshedding.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)