Tips to survive load-shedding

With the implementation of Stage 2 rotational load-shedding set to continue until Friday, 10 January, Eskom has provided the following load-shedding checklist to help you prepare.

• Keep your cell phone fully charged when the power is on. If your cell phone battery is low, remember that you can use your car charger in your car or power banks
• Remember to switch off your oven if it was on when the power outage started
• Keep frozen bottled water in your freezer to help keep food cold during a power outage
• Access security and safety should remain a top priority. Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Also keep a key for your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home, in case the garage door will not open
• Keep boiled water in thermos flasks for hot drinks during a power outage
• Keep a battery-powered torch or candles in a place where it will be easy to find in the dark. Make sure you have an extra set of fresh batteries
• Prepare meals beforehand in case of a power outage
• Instal solar-powered security and garden lights
• Make use of surge protection: Electric surges are one of the biggest causes of damage to equipment during a power outage. Installing a surge protection device can help minimise damage
• Keep a small torch on your bedside table at all times: make sure you have an extra set of fresh batteries
• Most medication that needs refrigeration can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without spoiling: it is essential that you check with your doctor or pharmacist to be sure about your type of medication
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed at all times: a power outage of four hours should keep food frozen and safe for at least a day
• Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children. Always extinguish candles before going to bed.

For more information visit www.eskom.co.za or call 086 003 7566.

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