Vital safety and security checks to do before load shedding

With power systems remaining constrained, South Africans can expect more load shedding in the future. The power cuts, however unpopular, are an important way for Eskom to balance the power scales to meet the country's electricity demands. Load shedding can disrupt your life but it doesn't need to make you less productive, less safe, or create financial burdens. Here are some important safety and security checks you should get done before the next load shedding starts.

1. Have the updated schedule on hand. This ensures you have enough time to prepare for the load shedding and aren't taken by surprise. You can download the EskomSePush, a useful app that provides real-time load shedding notifications and schedules for your area.

2. Get a first aid kit. A candle burn or table bump can happen during the darker hours of a load shedding. Having a first aid kit stocked up and easily available can be useful when an injury takes place. On the note of fire, having a fire extinguisher is also a smart idea if you're using candles or gas stoves during the load shedding period.

3. Save emergency contact information. If an incident occurs such as a break-in or accident, having vital numbers within reach can save a life. You can write down or save these numbers on your phone: your local fire department, police, medical services, alarm company, and neighbourhood watch.

4. Re-examine your insurance policies. With excessive power cuts, appliances can be damaged or even blow a fuse. To avoid damages and loss, you should read the fine print of your insurance to ensure you're covered during an incident.

5. Withdraw cash for an emergency. During extended periods of load shedding, some ATMs in your area may go offline. It helps to keep some cash handy should the need arise.

6. Be alert at all times. Security systems and your home's lighting are impacted during load shedding. The downtime makes you more vulnerable to a break-in. Stay aware during the period, especially when arriving home in the dark. It helps to keep a torch handy for load sheddings or have a fully charged phone you can use for light.

7. Get your alarm checked. You should test your alarm system before a load shedding takes place. Contact your security service provider for a testing session to ensure they are receiving a signal during load shedding. As load shedding can also cause power packs and batteries to wear out faster, you should also check their functionality. A regular alarm system service can help pinpoint any issues. Finally, you should cancel false alarms triggered by load shedding. This ensures armed response officers only attend to legitimate emergencies.

8. Secure your property's surroundings. As mentioned, load shedding provides the ideal conditions for a potential break-in. Taking the right precautions can prevent this from happening. You should ensure automated gates and electric fencing have reserve batteries installed to keep them going throughout the power out. In the event your gates and electric garage doors don't work during the load shedding, ensure you have the override keys accessible.

It also helps to place solar or battery-powered lights in strategic places to keep your home and garden illuminated. You should ensure the garden is maintained as unruly trees and bushes cast shadows and provide opportunities for intruders to hide.

9. Charge important devices. Before load sheddings, you should ensure your cell phone and laptops are fully charged. You should also invest in a UPS to charge your router during the period.

10. Switch off electrical devices. Appliances, air conditioning units, pool pumps, computers, and lights all run the risk of being damaged when the power comes on. It's advisable to switch them off and unplug any devices connected to sockets. You can protect against surge damage by installing a surge protection device on your electrical distribution board or power outlet.

Load shedding will remain with us for some time. However, by following these tips you can ensure you remain safe and your property is protected from harm. For further advice or help with buying, selling, renting, or letting out property, contact your local Seeff real estate agent. We're here to help you prosper through property.

Author: Seeff