Part two: Valuable home safety and security tips to follow during loadshedding

As we approach the festive season there is a big chance that - besides the limitations that the pandemic may bring about - there is a possibility that we will most likely be faced with loadshedding. 

It's a sad reality but it is something that we have to be prepared for. If there is one thing that we need to do as South Africans, it is being proactive; we are not saying that we are being negative - not at all. There is a difference in being prepared and calling out bad things into reality...

Read more: Part one: The loadshedding go-to meal ideas that will make your life easier

In saying that, we have been on a yo-yo schedule when it comes to loadshedding recently. From stage 2 to stage 4 and back to stage 2...it's the uncertainty for us and the fact that we are told one thing and that we're expected to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. 

Rant over! Now, let's move forward and take this opportunity to make sure that even during loadshedding, we are prepared. The one thing that has been noticed by security companies is that loadshedding opens up the doors for criminals. 

"A recent survey by Santam, SA’s leading short-term insurer, reveals opportunistic crime as a result of security systems not operating properly has increased during load shedding." (Property24)

Read more: Here are the five loadshedding tips you need in your life

Besides the risk of your safety in terms of crime, there is the risk that you face with appliances getting damaged due to power surges caused by the loadshedding. In this case, it is a good option to purchase a surge adapter, this will help care for your appliances during loadshedding, and also comes in handy when there is lightning. 

"A further 21% make use of generators, some 30% are not sure that their generators are SABS certified and properly connected. During load shedding there is an increased risk of damage to sensitive electronic items caused by power surges as well as fires." (Property24)

If you have a security alarm system, it is advisable that you have an additional backup battery because sometimes your alarm system will not work if your battery is low - a byproduct of loadshedding. 

Read more: Three smart ways to ensure loadshedding doesn't inconvenience your life

There are some practical steps that you can take to ensure that your security and your family's safety is not compromised during loadshedding.

• It pays to remain calm, but aware. Panicking in any situation just adds more stress to the situation. If you are suspicious, contact the SAPS. Make sure you are in a community WhatsApp group so you can note down any suspicious activity to your community members. 
• Make sure that your doors, gates and windows are secured (whether automated or manually operational). 
• Invest in a good quality battery-operated or rechargeable light for when the lights go out. There are some lights that stay on charge mode and if plugged into your sockets, automatically turning on when the power goes out. 
• Make sure that if you are using candles that you are practicing safety protocols; it is advisable to make sure you train the entire family of fire safety. 
• Test your battery backup system and keep an additional battery just in case of an emergency. 
• If you are using a generator, ensure that it is properly connected and SABS approved. If you are uncertain you can check in with the supplier or your local electrician. 

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