Stage 6 load shedding: Tips to cope during dark times ahead

In an emergency meeting on Tuesday 28 June, Eskom chief executive Andre de Ruyter said the power utility could be forced to introduce stage 6 load shedding on Tuesday evening due to a significant deterioration of its operations overnight.

This means more hours of the day spent in the dark, or without the internet or maybe even food because you were not prepared for it. But that won’t be your reality if you follow these steps to make your stage six life easier.

CHARGE ALL DEVICES – EVEN THE ONES YOU DON’T NEED

We’ve had enough load shedding for you to know that keeping all devices fully charged is of utmost importance. Every cellphone, laptop, tablet, UPS, and USB power bank should be charged up.

Rechargeable AA or D-cell batteries could just come in handy, and if you have headlamps or torches, or a radio or other gear, with their own batteries, get those plugged in.

PLACE TAKEAWAY ORDERS BEFORE LOAD SHEDDING

There’s nothing more frustrating than having to wait a lot longer to get your food delivered. But, the reality is that food delivery services tend to be inundated with orders when evening peak load shedding strikes.

With more and more delivery and direct quick-service restaurants’ delivery systems allowing you to pre-book when you want a takeaway to come to your door, it is advisable to do so once you’ve checked your load shedding schedule.

However, if you’re cooking, make use of a gas braai or camping stove so that you can still boil a kettle or make a rudimentary meal if there’s no power.

FILL UP HOT WATER BOTTLES, THERMOS BEFORE LOAD SHEDDING HITS

It’s winter so keeping warm is a must. Once you’ve checked your load shedding schedule, start boiling water minutes before your power cuts off.

Fill hot water bottles and thermos with boiling water. The water could come in handy to make a hot beverage or for the dishes as well.

UNPLUG DEVICES THAT ARE NOT IN USE

Stage six load shedding means two or three power outages in a day, separated into two hours each, for many people. So, to protect your devices from power surges, remember to unplug those that are not in use.

If unplugging individual devices is too much admin for you, consider flipping the mains switch until you see the streetlights come back on.

KEEP FREEZER OR FRIDGE COLD

Lots of load shedding ends up affecting the fridge’s coldness, causing some food items to rot. It is advisable to fill empty cooldrink bottles with water and keep them in the freezer. When there is load shedding, these will keep your fridge – and food – cool for a few hours.

DOWNLOAD ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT AHEAD OF TIME

Just because you are experiencing stage 6 load shedding, it does not mean you should spend your hours in silence. Cellphone operators struggle to keep their towers operational during standard bouts of load shedding, and battery systems will find it hard to cope with Stage 6. This means your internet will get compromised.

Download movies, series and music in advance so you can binge on it during the dark and quiet times where you cannot use the internet or watch your favorite show on TV.