No one ever thought that it was possible to miss load shedding levels one and two but that’s the reality of living through levels five and six. At the moment, our lights are off more than they’re on which is why WiCKS Electrical has put together a list of safety tips to remember during load shedding.
The higher the level, the more power cuts we experience. While we’ve got better at dealing with them, they still pose a number of risks to our families, appliances, and homes. The great news is that following these steps may help reduce your chances of falling victim to the darkness!
1. Unplug Electronic Appliances During a Power Outage
While Eskom is very good at switching our power off on time, the same can’t be said for when they’re putting it back on. For this reason, it’s best to unplug all of your electronic devices during an outage.
When the electricity is switched back on, your home experiences a surge of power. This means that any devices that are plugged in, will also experience that surge. Unless the plug is switched off at the wall, these increased levels of electricity can cause significant damage to your appliances.
2. Install a Surge Protector
Did you know that power surges are the leading cause of damage to our electronic devices during an outage? It’s not the loss of power that damages them, but rather the surge of electricity when it comes back on.
So, if you’re someone who often forgets to unplug their devices when the power goes off, you may want to consider investing in a surge protector. This will not only protect your electronic devices and appliances but it will also protect your wallet from spending unnecessary money on damages.
3. Have a Torch Readily Available
We can all agree that getting home at night during load shedding is terrible. Not only can trying to find your way to the front door be dangerous, but it can also be a little scary. Luckily for you, this can all be avoided by simply keeping a torch in your car.
Many of us are lucky enough to have cell phones with a built-in torch, but it never hurts to have a backup. So, put an end to the darkness by being prepared for any occasion.
4. Save All Emergency Contact Information
Most of our day-to-day activities rely on the presence of electricity. So, when there’s a power outage, things tend to become a little chaotic- even if just for a little while.
During these moments, it’s a good idea to have all emergency contact information close at hand. In fact, it’s not only a good idea but it could even save a life. From the fire department and police to medical services and close family, all numbers should be saved and easily accessible. 
5. Keep Your Electrical Appliances Fully Charged
During load shedding stages one and two, we could get by with just a 50% charge on our electronic devices. Sadly, those days are long gone and a little more planning needs to go into getting through these dark times.
With most of our work relying on computer technology, a flat computer battery results in low productivity levels. This can all be avoided by charging your devices before and after power outages. This also includes any power banks that may help get you through that period.
6. Prepare Meals Beforehand
More often than not, Eskom will let us know in advance when our power is going to be cut. This usually allows us enough time to make necessary preparations, especially when it comes to food.
While investing in a gas stove is always an option, another (more cost-effective) option would be to prepare meals beforehand. This includes boiling water and keeping it in a flask for all of the tea and coffee lovers in your family.
Preparing meals beforehand can save you time, money, and mood swings from hungry family members.
7. Keep Bottled Water in the Freezer
One of our biggest concerns during a power outage is that the food in the freezer will spoil. While we can’t guarantee that it won’t happen, we can try our best to keep it at bay for as long as possible.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by surrounding them with frozen bottles of water. This not only helps in keeping them cool but is an effective way to store emergency water as well.
For More Tips and Tricks, Call WiCKS Today
While we all dream of the day when load shedding (and all of its levels) no longer exist, it seems that we may need to ride this wave of darkness a little longer. However, WiCKS Electrical would like you to do so safely and responsibly.
So, for more safety tips or electrical needs, call him today on 082 924 4775!
