How to live with load-shedding
Are you passionate about “getting off the grid’ or simply know that you are going to have to deal with load-shedding in the near future? Either way you will have to know how to live without electricity. It might sound unnatural to live without all the electrical items that play a large part in our lives, but has been something humans have done since the dawn of man. With determination, a positive attitude, and a bit of ingenuity you too can live with load-shedding.
The Best Tips and Tricks to survive Load Shedding
- The Solar solution
Install a solar geyser or lamps to put outside in the garden and take inside during load-shedding. There is also a solar cellphone charger available. You can put it on your dash board while driving and if you get home and there’s no electricity, you can still charge your phone.
- Frozen Bottles
Empty plastic cold drink bottles can be use by filling them with water and place in your deep freeze. If there is load-shedding, you can take them out and put them in your fridge to keep food cold until the power comes back on.
- Battery option
Keep a large amount of batteries in stock to enable battery operated lights. You can get laterns, torches and other battery operated items to keep around the house when load-shedding occurs. It’s less dangerous than using just candles.
- Gas stoves and appliances
Gas stoves are becoming a popular choice for the load-shedding problem.There’s also the portable option: you can buy a camping gas stove. This way you can cook food or boil the kettle even if there’s load-shedding.
Load-shedding: Transport, Cash, Access and Safety
Ensure your vehicle always has fuel in the tank because petrol stations cannot pump fuel during load-shedding. Withdraw sufficient cash because ATMs cannot operate without electricity. Release automatic electric garage door and security gate mechanisms so you can gain access to your property during load-shedding.
Author: Evelyn van der Merwe
Evelyn is a freelance writer and she can be contacted for guest posts.
Contact: wiets@blitsnet.co.za
References:
http://ewn.co.za/Features/how-to-survive-load-shedding
http://www.wikihow.com/Live-Without-Electricity
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/useful-tips-deal-load-shedding
