12 ways to avoid power cuts this winter
Some of the useful tips on how to survive a power during winter thanks to Dialdirect.
It is said power outage is already a problem among many consumers in South Africa, therefore, the recent ongoing wage negotiations between Eskom and labour representatives may cause certain power cuts.
As a result of this, even electrical appliance and your own security, could help reduce the impact of power cuts.
“With this mind, it is best to be prepared and expect load shedding in your area over the cold season,” said Maanda Tshifularo head of Dialdirect insurance.
Maanda said beside using gas heaters than electric ones and stocking up on warm blankets, here are some of the useful tips on how to survive a power during winter:
1.Put the propose load shedding times somewhere handy so that your family will have enough time to prepare for the power outage
2. Alarm systems, garage doors and electric gates generally rely on electricity so make sure that these items all have good back-up batteries.
3.Keep your cellphone charged and handy. It is also a good idea to invest in external power banks which should be fully charged at all times.
4.Use LED globes with rechargeable battery backup, so when power outages occur you just need to connect the rechargeable battery to the LED globe to produce light.
5.Keep a torch or solar, battery powered light that is charged beforehand in multiple, easily accessible locations around your home.
6.Fill a thermos flask with boiling water before the blackout for a warm cup of tea or coffee during the blackout.
7.Your fridge and freezer supplies should be okay without power over night if you do not open and close it repeatedly. If you are worried about certain food items, prepare an ice box for these.
“It is a condition in most insurance policies that a house alarm is activated at all times when the home is not occupied. So, if a house is burgled during a power cut, then, theoretically, the customer would not benefit from any burglary cover as the alarm would be rendered inoperative. However, if you have a home contents policy and your house burgled during power cut, you insurer may apply principles of fairness and equity when processing such a claim,”Maanda said.
Dialdirect recommend these tips for protecting your family, home and belonging during a power outage:
8. First line of defence: If your alarm system does not have a backup battery, be cautious during a power outage.
9. Crime watch: Since criminals have access to the same load shedding schedule as we do its easy for them to target affected areas. Take particular care when arriving or leaving home, install battery operated lights in your driveway and keep a torch in your car to provide extra lights.
10. Avoid the risks: Extra vigilance is key if you are using candles to light up you home.
11. Invest in generators
12.On-the-go safety : Increase your vigilance when driving at night in unknown areas. It can be difficult to see where traffic lights are when the power is off.
“Taking additional precautions and checking that you have adequate cover will not only help minimise the stress and inconvenience that comes with power outages, but will give you invaluable peace of mind,” Maanda added.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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