Stay safe and stress-free with these loadshedding essentials, ensuring your home is prepared for power outages and security risks.
Whether you're renting or buying, there are certain necessities that every home should have, particularly with the increased security and loadshedding risks in South Africa. It's crucial to ensure that your home is equipped to handle potential loadshedding and to maintain security.
Seeff Property Group breaks down the top loadshedding essentials to help you through dark times.
1. Gas Stove
During power outages, a gas stove or burner allows you to cook and boil water, ensuring that you can still prepare meals and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea (especially important during cold winter mornings). A gas stove also eliminates the stress of planning meals during loadshedding.
Additionally, gas stoves allow South African households to embrace their traditional braai culture during loadshedding, enabling enjoyable outdoor cooking experiences with family and friends.
2. Rechargeable Lights
Reliable backup lighting options are hard to find but of the utmost importance during periods of darkness. A trusty flashlight is useful, as are solar lights, and Seeff recommends keeping these items in a designated spot easily accessible to all household members.
It’s worth investing in quality rechargeable lights; speak to family, friends, or online community groups to learn the best, most sustainable options available. Not all rechargeable lights are created equal.
3. Water Tank and Hot Water Flask
Considering the water challenges plaguing South Africa today, stock up on fresh water, ideally a minimum of 10 litres. Investing in a larger-sized hot water flask is also wise, as it can offer a significant amount of hot water during power outages and allow you to manage your daily needs effectively.
4. UPS and Backup Battery System
Loadshedding can devastate businesses; we all know this. A UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) is a viable solution as it ensures uninterrupted functionality of your internet and computer systems.
With a backup battery system, your TV, lights, and security system can function smoothly whether or not your house is suffering loadshedding. These robust backup systems enable you to maintain productivity, stay well-informed, and ensure the security of your home.
5. First Aid Kit
Loadshedding or not, a well-stocked first aid kit is always a good idea if you need to respond quickly to and treat injuries. Plasters, gauze, disinfectant, and staple medications are valuable items to keep close by and allow you to relax knowing you’re prepared for medical emergencies.
6. Fire Extinguisher
There is an increased risk of fires occurring during loadshedding, and to protect your property, belongings, and your family, it is crucial to prioritise fire safety measures. Keep a fire extinguisher readily available in your vicinity. Familiarise yourself with it, so you can use it if an emergency occurs, and store it in a location that is easily accessible during emergencies.
Take these proactive measures to effectively mitigate fire hazards and promptly respond to any potentially dangerous incidents.
7. Basic Tool Kit
A basic tool kit is something you don’t realise you need until suddenly you do. That’s why Seeff recommends you start collecting key items for a tool kit.
Screwdriver sets, pliers, a hammer, a wrench, spare light bulbs, plugs, and double-sided tape are all important items to add to your toolkit. You’ll be grateful you have them when it comes time for simple maintenance tasks and even DIY projects around the house.
8. Packing Space
Maximising your packing space not only enhances the tidiness of your house but also reduces the amount of cleaning required. To achieve this, it is advisable to explore storage solutions that can assist you in maintaining an organised living environment.
Investing in suitable storage options can effectively declutter and arrange your belongings, resulting in a more streamlined and manageable space. This proactive step promotes cleanliness and saves you time and effort in daily cleaning tasks.
9. Portfolio of Documents
Keeping all your important documents in one place can help you quickly access the information you need in case of an emergency; a bonus tip would be to have physical copies in case you can’t access your computer during loadshedding.
Important documents to keep on hand include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, bond and loan documents, vehicle details, medical policies, and insurance policies.
10. Printed Photographs
Although storing memories on your phone or computer is convenient, losing them is always risky. They may also not be accessible during loadshedding. To safeguard your cherished memories, Seeff recommends periodically printing and storing a few photographs in a secure location.
While digital storage can be prone to data loss or technical issues, physical prints provide a tangible and reliable backup, guaranteeing that your precious memories remain protected and accessible for years to come.
Are you concerned about power outages and security risks in South Africa? Take action now and read the insightful blogs by Seeff Property Group to prepare your home for any loadshedding challenges that may arise.
For more guidance during these trying times, read Seeff’s blog on how to loadshedding-proof your home.
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