The ultimate load shedding survival guide

The ultimate load shedding survival guide

Category Property News

It is no secret that we have become completely reliant on electricity for most aspects of our lives, including security, entertainment, and even communication so multiple electricity outages cause major disruptions in this digital world.

Jill Lloyd, Area Specialist in Rondebosch and Claremont for Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty, says: "Until now, many people have only made minor concessions in the hope that load-shedding will be a temporary situation, however, as it is likely to be a part of our daily lives for some time to come, we need to plan accordingly to minimise the stress and disruption."

"So, before you end up on the verge of a nervous breakdown; take heart," Lloyd says, "With a little resourcefulness, a dollop of patience and some imagination it IS possible to make the best of a bad situation."

The first step, says Lloyd, is to adequately prep your home as this will go a long way in minimising frustration during load shedding, here's how:

• Print a schedule - and keep it updated so you are not caught on the hop.
• Security - by now, you will know if your security system is struggling to cope with load shedding and, if it is, call in a security consultant to boost your backup power. Sadly, power outages are the perfect opportunity for thieves to take advantage of the darkness, so make sure your home is secure;
• Stay charged - ensure your phone and laptop are always charged and keep a charger in your car for emergencies;
• Gas it up - If you have an electric stove, invest in a one or two-plate Cadac gas stove so that you can at least fry a couple of eggs, heat up some soup and have a cup of coffee;
• Illumination - buy a headlamp for each member of the household and stock up on candles and matches; invest in several cheap solar lamps and buy a few extra small torches to keep in easily accessible locations around your home;
• Snack time - stock up on snacks that require no cooking - chips, dried fruit, cheese, crackers - to stave off the hunger pangs (and moans) until you are able to cook the next meal;
• Keep symbiotic items together - store matches and lighters with candles, batteries with torches etc - nothing is more than searching around in the dark for matches to light the candle that you need to be able to see to find the matches;
• Safeguard electronic equipment - switch off sensitive electronic and electrical appliances prior to the scheduled power interruption as when the power comes back on, there can be power surges that can damage delicate electronics;
• Stay mobile - Remember to take your car out the garage before the power is scheduled to go out if the doors are electrically operated;
• Freezer savvy - Fill the empty space in your freezer with containers of water as frozen water will displace air and keep food cold longer if the power goes out. Remember to leave space in containers for ice to expand;
• Entertainment - clear out a drawer to fill with board games, books, magazines and a deck or two of cards;
• Think long term - invest in a small generator and consider the option of solar panels.

"If everything is prepped for when the power does go off, then it's easy to keep a level head and just go about the business of getting on with your day or evening with minimum fuss or interruption."

Lloyd reminds us that we should not forget to bring the pets inside and lock the doors when the power goes off after dark and also to be sensible about opening fridges and freezers during load shedding.

"Rather get everything you think you will need before the power goes off - it's prudent to bear in mind that an unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours, and an unopened freezer will keep food frozen for about 24 hours."

However, what is often the most taxing aspect of these daily bouts of no power is keeping the troops entertained hour after hour, especially in the evening when it's dark and television is the entertainment choice of preference.

"This is especially true if there are young children in the family as their boredom tolerance is considerably lower and, if one isn't prepared, cries of 'we're bored mom!' will stretch your nerves even further.

"But, without the distraction of TV, the internet and social media, you'll suddenly find yourself actually to your family members - and find that they are a lot more interesting than you thought and you might actually really enjoy their company."

Lloyd offers the following suggestions for keeping the whole family entertained:

• Star gaze - if it's a pleasant evening, spread a blanket out on the lawn and challenge everyone to spot Orion's Belt and identify the Southern Cross;
• Fortify - make a fort with sheets and pillows for reading and storytelling. If it's night time, use flashlights or even better, headlamps. While you're in there you can also make shadow puppets;
• Glow-in-the-dark - if load shedding occurs at bath time, the little ones are sure to be enticed by a multi-coloured glow stick bath;
• Stretch your legs - if it's during the day, take the dogs and kids for a nice long walk;
• Make it a social occasion - invite some friends over for a good old-fashioned braai - dinner and entertainment sorted in one;
• Candlelit picnic - even better if you have a fireplace because then you can toast marshmallows for dessert;
• Interactive games - this is the perfect time to play games like charades and 'never have I ever';
• If all else fails - find a nearby restaurant with a generator.

"Whilst it's impossible to totally eliminate the frustration and inconvenience, especially if the situation is prolonged, it is possible to make the best of a bad situation - and, very often it's during times like these that the best memories are made."

Author: Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty