Loadshedding may be a heavy load that leaves most of South Africa in the dark, but we still find a way to joke about it. Finding practical solutions to survive loadshedding is also something that you can arm yourself with to make things a bit easier for you.
These are five ways in which you can prepare for whatever stage of loadshedding.
Where to find the schedule
Knowing when Eskom is about to pull the plug from your area will save you from a lot of inconveniences or furious blinking in the dark. Eskom releases its schedule on Loadshedding.Eskom to make it convenient for you. Having this printed out or staying updated can help you better prepare for the various stages.
Invest in Emergency lights
Rechargeable LED lights are a staple during such times. Candles are infamous for leading to disastrous incidents where things get burnt. There are a range of lights to suit your needs at affordable prices. Just remember to charge these when the power is back on and store them in an easy to reach place.
A generator
If you have some money to spend, investing in a portable generator will be a lifesaver, especially when stage 6 and 8 strikes where the power is out for extended periods within consecutive days. You can consider saving towards one, which can range between R4,125 to R10,199. Having a gas operated stove and stove is also a worthwhile investment.
Stay charged up
Powerbanks are another essential that you need to get your hands on. There are a range of power banks that can charge your phone and laptop to keep you connected. Make sure that this is a quality power bank that will not disappoint you when you need it the most.
Keeping your food cool
The last thing you want is having your food going off because of loadshedding, especially if you tend to purchase your perishable food in bulk. Having a cooler box and ice bags can save your food from rotting when the power is out for 4-8 hrs.
