After reading your Editor’s note on load-shedding in the Record/Northsider on 7 February, I wanted to share some of my survival tips with you.
Firstly, maybe look at investing in a few extra, either battery-powered or solar lamps so that you do not have to sit in the dark when the lights go out.
A small gas stove, like the ones they use for camping is also not a bad idea if you simply cannot go without a cooked meal or boiling water. A Wonderbag also helps to keep food warm for a few hours should the power go out.
Very importantly, stock up on still water, healthy snacks, bread and non-perishable food that doesn’t require heat to prepare so you can still enjoy a healthy meal. Have a braai and make some yummy braaibroodjies. You can also invest in some nutritional shakes, which is a simple meal that only requires either water or milk to prepare. Two scoops are all you need and it’s something everyone can enjoy, hot or cold.
Being in the darkness is not cool and one can run out of things to talk about, as you say. We try a variety of activities such as doing arts and crafts projects (this is where the lamp comes in), building puzzles, playing card games, or guessing the next song while listening to a battery-powered radio.
I hope these tips will help make the load-shedding times go by a bit faster.
