Stage 2 load shedding is here, and there’s no telling how long load shedding hours will continue to affect South Africans around the country. If you haven’t prepared for load shedding already, then it’s high time you make the appropriate arrangements. In this article, we share 5 security solutions for load shedding you need to know about so that you can avoid the criminal activity that increases when the lights are out.
1. Have Batteries, Power Banks, and UPS Systems Ready
Outdoor and Indoor Lighting
Whether the lights go out while you work from home or you arrive home to load shedding after work, you must make use of battery-operated lights inside and outside of your property. You can purchase battery-powered floodlights to illuminate your outdoor area and a collection of torches, lamps, and lanterns to brighten up your home. Criminals are less likely to attempt to break in during load shedding hours if your home is a well-lit property on your block.
Alarm Systems
You should also ensure that your alarm system batteries are in working order and consider purchasing a backup alarm system battery should they run out of juice. The same goes for your electric fencing, as this is typically the first security feature one fails to notice is no longer working. Your alarm system and electrical fencing provider will be available to assist you with new batteries and ongoing maintenance.
Connectivity
Power banks should be one of your go-to solutions for load shedding as they keep your devices going in a pinch. Our top tip is to purchase several power banks for your phones, a laptop power bank like this one, for example, and a UPS system for your PC. You should also get hold of a battery for your WiFi router to stay connected during load shedding. With these items, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are a call away from friends, family, and armed response companies in your area.
2. Turn to Generators, Solar Power, or Inverters
Generators can keep your entire house running, including all of your security equipment, so that you can feel confident about your safety during stage 2 load shedding and beyond. Generators are an affordable once-off cost but can be costly to run. That said, you cannot put a price on your safety. Solar power is a costly initial investment but is one of the best long-term solutions for load shedding as your home and security equipment will have power as long as the sun shines. You can also use solar power alongside your connection to the electrical grid for comprehensive and affordable solar coverage during load shedding. Inverters charge powerful batteries and are more effective than a UPS, and you can learn more about the difference between a UPS and an inverter here. It would be wise to invest in one or more of these backup power sources over and above batteries, power banks, and UPS systems for total security during load shedding.
3. Protect Your Tech and Appliances With Surge Protectors
Load shedding outages can fry tech equipment and appliances that are not connected to surge protector plugs. You must purchase a variety of surge protector plug points as soon as possible to avoid something breaking when the power abruptly shuts off. Light surge protection plugs can save your PC, laptop, TV, security equipment, and more. These are all items that you will need for updates on load shedding and criminal activity via forums and groups as well as preventative security features that can stop criminal activity in its tracks. For more insight on what to look for when buying a surge protector, click here.
4. Check Your Barriers and Perimeters
You must double-check every entry point in your home before load shedding takes place, closing all windows and locking all doors for the duration of load shedding hours. This is especially important if the batteries of certain security equipment have died. From taking advantage of new tech to secure your perimeter and working with your community to light up your neighborhood, we cover what you need to know about home security statistics and how to stay safe here.
5. Mobile Panic Apps are the Best Safety Solutions for Load Shedding
During outages, alarm systems or WiFi-enabled security features may be unavailable. However, with your phone charged thanks to a dedicated load shedding power bank, you can feel confident about your safety with a mobile panic app. Secura offers a reliable and affordable panic app that can connect you to the best armed response companies in your area that will arrive at your location in minutes. Having this peace of mind will help keep you calm during the frustrating load shedding hours.
Prepare for stage 2 load shedding and beyond with battery-operated lighting, power banks for phones and laptops, inverters for running your home, and solar power to support your security equipment. You can also protect your appliances with surge protectors and stay safe with a mobile panic app. These are our top security solutions for load shedding that you need to know about.