There’s nothing as annoying as getting home after a hectic day at work to find that load-shedding is waiting for you. Your phone’s battery is flat, and your stomach is grumbling. Get used to it, load-shedding is about to become a daily feature in our lives, so it’s time to prepare.
Here’s our survival guide, made up of 10 ways to combat the dark times…
Charge your laptop. Every time!
Laptops are handy for charging your cellphone. It also acts as your TV or DVD because you can watch series or movies, and play games for entertainment. If you have a car, make use of the charging portal to boost your cellphone’s battery life.
Have your stash of books ready
With a candle or a torch, and all the time in the world to kill, reading a book is your saviour.
Invest in alternative light sources
There are just some things you can’t do without. Candles are cheaper, but alternative lighting sources such as torches, lanterns or battery-operated lights are a must-have.
Preserve your food
Don’t throw away those cold drink 2 litre bottles! Store water in them and deep freeze them so that when load-shedding strikes, your fridge will continue to keep your food cold, protect it from rotting or thawing.
Play games
Load-shedding periods are the perfect time to get in touch with your loved ones. It has become so normal for families to bond over soapies – some of us even watch television while having dinner! Use this time to play fun games with your kids or have a pillow fight with your partner, let loose!
Get a generator
If you absolutely cannot live without electricity, then get yourself a generator. I know this is expensive but you can buy a second-hand generator if you go bargain hunting before your purchase.
Sleep
Rest! If you’re over-worked or exhausted, get into bed and sleep. Trust me, you will thank yourself in the morning when you are fresh faced and feel fabulous.
Have a braai
If you have a big family, get the braai stand out, get that meat out the fridge and have yourself a braai. You don’t have to have alcohol, especially on a weekday, but a glass of wine won’t hurt. Invite your neighbours and make hot dogs with and for your babies.
Get a gas stove
If cooking by the fire doesn’t appeal to you, then invest in a gas stove. There are some really great options such as 2 in 1 electric and gas stoves to enable cooking or boiling water in the dark.
Storytelling
Remember how life was before television? Me neither, that’s why people go to theatres and read books, but you can always make an outside fire, sit with some treats and tell stories – a beautiful and creative way to spend time with loved ones while passing on your history.
