With the recent bout of load shedding leaving South Africans in the dark, we thought it would be a good idea to share some tips on what to pack and how to prepare for power outages on your next holiday.

Be prepared

  • Print out load shedding schedules from Eskom or the local municipalities like City of Cape Town or screenshot the schedule from a loadshedding app like ESP.
  • Make sure electronics like phones and cameras are fully charged before arriving at your destination.
  • Top up the petrol tank, because most petrol stations can’t pump fuel during power outages.
  • Have cash on hand, because most ATMS can’t operate during power outages.

What to pack

Depending on the type of accommodation you’re staying at, some of the below items will be provided, but it’s always wiser to be prepared than caught in the dark.

  • Torch
  • Extra batteries
  • Solar or battery-powered lantern or gas lamp. These give good quality lighting for large areas and is always handy when braaiing in the dark.
  • Candles
  • Matches. What use is a candle, braai, or gas lamp without matches? Don’t lose them in the dark though! Keep at least 2 boxes in easy-to-find places like next to the braai or in a cupboard with the candles.
  • Thermos flask. Fill with boiling water just before the power outage so you can still enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the dark.
  • Tinned food and dry snacks that don’t need cooking.
  • Gas stove. Most self-catering and camping accommodations will have a braai area, but if not, come prepared with a gas stove or an old school skottle.

Dining in the dark

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A lack of electricity doesn’t mean a lack of food. We should be enjoying the holidays outside around a braai instead of cooking on a stove indoors. Get back to basics with these easy meal ideas:

  • Braai
  • Potjie
  • Toasted sarmies on the braai or gas stove.
  • Cold meats and salads
  • Snack platters with things like cheese, bread, savoury biscuits, cold meats, nuts, olives, paté, sundried tomatoes, cucumber sticks, etc.

Entertain yourself

Power outages are a great way to get offline and really spend time with the people you’re with. Make sure you bring:

  • Cards and board games.
  • Bottle of wine to enjoy by candlelight.
  • Laptop with movies on. Make sure your battery is charged!
  • A book to read by lantern light.
  • Walking shoes for a moonlight stroll.
  • Dumbbells if you like to exercise on holiday.
  • Guitar (or just your voice) for sing-alongs and storytelling around a fire.

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Secure your home

A few extra precautions at home will give you peace of mind while you’re away.

  • Make sure alarm batteries are replaced with new ones. Good alarm batteries have an average life of span of 6 to 8 hours.
  • Ensure automated gates and doors are secured.
  • Install battery operated lights at strategic points in your home to provide some light during a power outage.
  • Turn off the geyser and stove.

What tips do you have for load shedding on holiday?

Images courtesy of BigStock