Loadshedding has become a part of life in South Africa, as the country experiences regular power outages due to a lack of energy supply. These outages can last for hours and even days, and can severely disrupt daily life. However, there are ways to survive loadshedding and make the most of the situation. In this post, we’ll provide some tips for surviving loadshedding in South Africa.
Plan ahead
The first step in surviving loadshedding is to plan ahead. Keep a record of the loadshedding schedule in your area and plan your day around it. Make sure you know what time your area is scheduled to be without power and for how long. This will help you prepare for the outages and minimize disruption to your daily routine.
Stock up on essentials
During loadshedding, it’s important to have enough essentials to last you through the outage. Make sure you have a supply of water, non-perishable food items, and other necessities like candles, matches, and batteries. If you have a gas stove, make sure you have a full tank so that you can cook meals during the outage.
Invest in alternative power sources
Investing in alternative power sources can make a huge difference during loadshedding. A generator is a good option if you can afford it, as it will keep your essential appliances running during the outage. Alternatively, a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can provide backup power for your computer and other electronics.
Keep your phone charged
During loadshedding, your phone becomes your lifeline to the outside world. Make sure your phone is fully charged before the outage begins, and consider investing in a power bank to keep your phone charged during longer outages. You can also conserve battery life by turning off non-essential features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Stay entertained
Loadshedding can be boring and stressful, but there are ways to stay entertained during the outage. Stock up on books, board games, or puzzles to keep yourself and your family occupied. If you have a portable radio, you can listen to news and music to stay informed and entertained.
Keep your home secure
Loadshedding can increase the risk of burglary and theft, as criminals may take advantage of the darkness to break into homes. Make sure your home is secure by installing good-quality locks on all doors and windows. You can also invest in a battery-powered alarm system to deter burglars.
Stay cool
Loadshedding often happens during the hottest parts of the day, which can make it difficult to stay cool. If you don’t have a generator or air conditioning, try to keep your home cool by opening windows and doors to create a cross-breeze. You can also invest in a battery-powered fan to keep cool during outages.
Be mindful of your electricity usage
Loadshedding happens when there isn’t enough electricity to go around, so it’s important to be mindful of your electricity usage. Turn off all non-essential appliances and lights during outages, and avoid using high-energy appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during peak loadshedding times.
Stay informed
Finally, it’s important to stay informed during loadshedding. Keep an eye on the news and social media for updates on loadshedding schedules and any other relevant information. Join local community groups on social media to stay informed and share tips and advice with your neighbors.
In conclusion, loadshedding is a reality that South Africans have to deal with on a regular basis. However, by planning ahead, stocking up on essentials, investing in alternative power sources, staying entertained, and being mindful of electricity usage, you can survive loadshedding and make the most of the situation. Stay informed, and stay safe!
If you have the funds available, investing in a generator or inverter will make life easier when dealing with loadshedding in South Africa.