Local newsNews
Safety tips during loadshedding
Residents are easy targets during extended power outages.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/01/power-out-Large.jpg)
Home security systems typically only have a battery life of between eight and 12 hours.
How to ensure your home is safe during power failures:
- Obtain an additional battery which can be attached to your alarm. This will ensure that there is extra battery backup time.
- Install battery operated lights at strategic points in your home. These can be connected to the main electricity supply and automatically switch on during a power failure. These lights are particularly handy in the evenings and are safer than candles.
- Keep a torch in your car should you arrive home in the dark and need to open your perimeter security gate manually.
- If you have a pedestrian gate, make sure you have the gate key in your car. Ensure a spare key is kept in all your motor vehicles.
- Be vigilant at all times, especially at night and whenever there is a power outage in your area.
- Ensure that you have your security provider’s numbers programmed into your cell phone
- When you leave your home, ensure that all doors and windows are closed and locked.
- Do not leave gardening equipment lying around outside. Criminals use these to pry open doors and windows.
- Keep your sector vehicle numbers close. If you feel unsure of a situation contact the SAPS immediately.
Information obtained from the Edenvale SAPS