Emergency Light Load Shedding

How to get organised for load shedding

Load shedding, or planned power outages, can be inconvenient, but with some preparation, you can minimize its impact. Here's how to be prepared for load shedding:

1. Create a Load Shedding Plan:

   • Familiarize yourself with the load shedding schedule provided by your utility company. This will help you anticipate when power outages will occur in your area.
   • Develop a plan for which appliances and devices to prioritize during power outages based on your needs.

2. Charge Essential Devices:

   • Keep your mobile phone, laptop, and other essential electronic devices fully charged before load shedding begins. Consider investing in power banks or portable chargers to keep your devices powered during outages.

3. Backup Power Supply:

   • Consider investing in a generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to provide backup power during outages. A UPS can keep critical devices like computers, routers, and modems running for a short period, allowing you to save work and safely shut down equipment.

4. Turn Off Non-Essential Appliances:

   • Before load shedding starts, turn off or unplug non-essential appliances and electronics to reduce the load on the electrical system once power is restored. This helps prevent surges when the power comes back on.

5. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting:

   • Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs consume less energy and can provide lighting for longer periods during power outages if powered by a backup source.

6. Stock Up on Essentials:

   • Keep a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, and essential medications on hand to tide you over during extended outages.
   • Have flashlights, candles, and matches readily available for lighting.

7. Maintain Communication:

   • Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand to stay informed about the latest updates during power outages.
   • Make sure your mobile phone is set up to receive emergency alerts.

8. Protect Electronics:

   • Invest in surge protectors to safeguard sensitive electronics from power surges when the electricity is restored.

9. Stay Informed:

   • Monitor updates from your utility company and local authorities regarding load shedding schedules and any changes in the situation.

10. Be Mindful of Safety:

    • During power outages, exercise caution when using alternative heating or lighting sources to prevent fire hazards or carbon monoxide poisoning.
    • If you're using candles, never leave them unattended, and keep them away from flammable materials.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the inconvenience and ensure that you're prepared for load shedding events.