Newsletter #18: Load Shedding - Do we realise how vulnerable we really are? As load shedding increasingly becomes a reality in South Africa, the true extent of its impact on our lives is slowly but surely dawning on us. Not only does it cripple our productivity and add tremendous discomfort to our daily routine, but it also poses more risks and dangers both at home and on the road. Being experts in the field of risk management, we would like to share some useful pointers that will contribute to the safety and security of all property owners, bodies corporate, home owner associations and their assets during power outages (Trustees of bodies corporate should take extra care to ensure that personal safety and security on common property areas are warranted at all times.) Personal Safety Keep several quality flashlights or gas lamps in strategic places around the house and common property. Keep a flashlight handy in your car for the event that you should arrive home in the dark. Have a reserve can of generator fuel ready for extended blackout periods. Never use a generator indoors or in a confined space as it produces deadly carbon monoxide. Avoid travelling by car through blackout areas. Light up stairwells and uneven pathways with lamps (solar, gas or battery powered) during blackouts. An emergency route in the garden or on common property should be demarcated and kept free from safety hazards at all times. Fire Hazards Do not use candles or other open flame sources for lighting or heating. Keep at least one regularly serviced fire extinguisher inside the house. Security Measures Attach low-budget magnetic alarms (available at DIY shops) to gates and doors as these battery powered devices will function during blackout periods. Ensure that backup batteries for your alarm system, electric fence and automated gates are installed and in working order by occasionally testing them with the electricity switched off. Be aware that load shedding is harmful to the lifespan of your backup batteries and that new gel batteries only last for 6 - 8 hours. Have your alarm system serviced bi-annually and test it regularly be activating it on purpose. Ensure that all gates, doors and windows are locked during blackouts. Keep shrubbery cut low enough so that it does not provide cover for burglars. Be especially alert when arriving at or leaving from home in the dark as the street lights and your outside lighting will not be functional during load shedding. Familiarise yourself with the manual release mechanism of your automated gate or garage door and always carry an emergency key for electronically locked gates with you. Ensure that your cell phone is charged at all times. Be aware that reaction times of emergency response services are likely to be longer during blackouts. Challenge your security company on its staffing policy during scheduled load shedding. Insist that your security provider notifies you by SMS or other means when a power failure to your premises is detected. Damage to Electrical Appliances Install surge protectors to minimise damage to household appliances and electronics resulting from sudden electrical withdrawals or surges when the power goes out and comes back on. Unplug electrical appliances and electronic devices when the power goes out - this makes them less vulnerable to power surges when the electricity comes back on. (Leave at least one light on to notify you when power has been restored.) Ensure that your short-term insurance policy covers all risks of financial loss that could be caused during a blackout. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to relatives, friends, co-workers and clients. Yours sincerely, Björn Laubscher Managing Director
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 09:21:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015