Surviving Load Shedding: Tips for Our Tenants

Load shedding can be a real challenge, but with proper preparation and a good understanding of how to deal with it, you can make life during power outages more manageable. At Framework Property Services, we understand that load shedding affects our tenants, and we're here to provide you with comprehensive guidance. Here are detailed and informative tips to help you navigate load shedding effectively.

1. Stay Informed: Know Your Load Shedding Schedule

Load shedding schedules can change, so it's essential to stay informed about when and for how long power cuts will occur in your area. You can do this by downloading the EskomSePush app or following your local municipality's social media accounts like @CityPowerJhb on Twitter. Understanding the schedule allows you to plan your activities accordingly.

2. Prioritise Security

During load shedding, your home can become more vulnerable to intruders due to reduced visibility. Take these security precautions: ensure all entry points are secure, including windows and doors, consider installing motion-activated outdoor lighting or security cameras, and communicate with your neighbours about keeping an eye on each other's properties during outages.

3.Keep Your Devices Charged

Before load shedding commences, make sure your essential electronic devices, such as cellphones, laptops, and tablets, are fully charged. It's also wise to invest in a power bank for your mobile devices to stay connected during power cuts. Limit your device usage during outages to preserve battery life.

4.Embrace Gas Appliances

Gas appliances can be a game-changer during load shedding: invest in a small gas bottle and a gas lamp for cooking and lighting, a gas cooker is especially useful for preparing hot meals when the electricity is off, and look for affordable second-hand gas cookers online to save on costs.

5.Prepare for Water Needs

In some multi-story buildings, pumps are used to supply water to higher floors. Here's how to prepare: fill containers with water before load shedding begins to ensure you have access to water for essential needs like drinking and hygiene.

6. Get Creative with Candles

Candle prices often rise during load shedding. Save money with this tip: Collect the melted wax from used candles and reuse it to create new candles. This cost-effective approach will save you lots of money in the long run. 

7. Freeze Water Bottles

Preserve your food during load shedding: Freeze 2-litre water bottles and place them in your fridge during power cuts. These bottles help keep your food cold, preventing spoilage. Make sure to remove them once loadshedding is finished as they may cause the temperature of your fridge to reduce which runs the risk of food freezing. 

8. Unplug Electronic

To protect your electronic devices from power surges during load shedding: Unplug them or switch them off at the wall as soon as the power goes out.

9. Emergency Contacts

During load shedding, it's essential to have quick access to emergency contact information: Save essential contact numbers, including those for emergency services (fire department, police, medical services), friends, and family, in your phone. Keep a printed copy of these contacts in a visible and easily accessible location in your home.

10. Keep Cash On Hand

In case of power-related issues that affect electronic payments, it's wise to have some cash readily available. This ensures you can make essential purchases or payments even when digital transactions are not possible.

11. Drive Safely

Load shedding can affect traffic lights, increasing the risk of accidents at intersections. When driving during outages: Approach intersections with caution, and treat them as four-way stops to ensure safety for yourself and other drivers.

By following these informative and practical tips, you can minimise the inconvenience of load shedding and maintain a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family. We're here to support you through these challenges, and together, we can navigate load shedding with confidence.