Tips and tricks for surviving load-shedding

Load-shedding has almost become the norm in South Africa.

Many residents now plan their everyday tasks around their individual schedules so that they’re not left in the dark when the lights go out.

Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, explained that load-shedding is a thorn in everyone’s side, but for now the only thing to do is roll with the punches. The best way to do that is to stay prepared.

ALSO READ: Loadshedding – Public urged to be vigilant and to remember good personal safety habits

Apart from the obvious things, like ensuring your phone is charged and that all the light switches are off. Here are a few tips and tricks to survive those dark days:

Download ESP – EskomSePush

This app is a must during load-shedding.

You can choose as many areas as you like and get the appropriate schedule for each area.

It also provides notifications and alerts, so you’re kept abreast of any changes between the stages and/or if load-shedding is suspended or not.

Make sure your appliances are protected

During load-shedding, there is no current running through the wires to power your appliances. This means when the power comes back on, there is a sudden surge of electricity which can cause the cables to burn up.

Having these surges occur on a regular basis will eventually cause damage if your cables are not properly protected.

It is recommended that you get a surge-protected unit to avoid having to replace electronics.

Non-electrical cooking

It’s not ideal to have the power go off just as you start to prepare dinner, right?

Avoid hungry tummies and invest in ‘alternative’ cooking.

Gas stoves are an obvious solution, but don’t forget the legendary braai – Eskom can take our power, but they can’t take our grill.

ALSO READ: Extended power outages leave residents in the dark for days

Stay alert

If your home has an electrically operated gate, garage door or alarm system, ensure you have backup batteries that are in good working condition.

If your alarm system cannot use backup batteries, it is best to keep all access windows and doors well-lit.

Stay lit

Rechargeable LED lights are a must-have during these rolling blackouts.

They are not as bright as normal lights, but they are bright enough to light up the room for homework and household activities.

It also comes in handy when trying to find your way around – beats a stumped toe any day.

Candles are an alternative, but if you are taking safety into account, it is best to go with LED lighting.

Load-shedding, as inconvenient as it is, doesn’t have to always be a bad thing.

Having no electricity allows you to enjoy things you cannot usually enjoy when there’s power, like camping out in the back yard and spending quality time with your family.

Here is a list of some fun things to do when the lights are out:

• Try your hand at yoga – Practise a few relaxing moves and feel the stress of load-shedding melt away.

• Whip out those board games – Nothing passes the time like a good old game of Scrabble or Monopoly.

• Family night out – Although there’s plenty to do at home when the lights go out, if you’d rather be out and about, treat your family to a night out on the town.

• Braai, braai and braai – There is nothing South Africans love more than a good braai, so grab that grill, toss a few steaks on there, invite a few mates over and voilà, you’ve got yourself a party.

Load-shedding doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, so try and make the best of a bad situation.

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.

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