{"id":46044,"date":"2023-09-14T13:15:03","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T11:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/better-safe-than-sorry-when-it-comes-to-load-shedding-woes-20230914-3\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T23:00:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T21:00:47","slug":"better-safe-than-sorry-when-it-comes-to-load-shedding-woes-20230914-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/vrystaatkroon\/better-safe-than-sorry-when-it-comes-to-load-shedding-woes-20230914-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Better safe than sorry when it comes to load shedding woes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Eskom announced that stage 6 load shedding would be implemented from yesterday, and that this would continue \u201cuntil further notice\u201d. As the levels of load shedding increase, so too does the frequency of rotational power cuts, which have a direct impact on the increased risk of damage to sensitive electronic items due to power surges, fires, and crime due to security systems not operating properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greta Goosen, Head of Customer Experience at MiWay Insurance, offers six tips on how consumers can safeguard their property and assets from the effects of stage 6 of load shedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Double-check your backup battery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Touching on some of the associated risks that accompany load shedding, consumers need to ensure that the backup battery for their electric fencing or alarm system can withstand power outages for longer periods of time. This is an important factor to bear in mind given that opportunistic criminals may aim to capitalise on security system failures when the lights go out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay alert<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there is a power outage, be cautious and take extra care to check your surroundings when arriving at or leaving your home, as there may be opportunistic criminals looking to take advantage of the darkness. Notify your neighbourhood watch, an armed response company, or the police if you detect any unusual activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware of the risks involving fire<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Load shedding also brings with it an increased risk of fire damage, given that South African households may be using alternatives such as candlelight or gas for heating or cooking. It is important for homeowners to check whether their insurer provides cover for both fire and gas-related explosions, as well as what their responsibilities are in mitigating the risks that come with using energy alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put on your manual hat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that you know how to manually operate electronic gates or garage doors in case of a power outage, so you can still obtain access to your home during a power outage. Remember to have the gate motor keys on hand and to install high-quality, well-oiled padlocks that can protect your home and assets should electronic devices fail during periods of load shedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check that you have the right insurance cover<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many South Africans may be concerned as to whether their home contents insurance policy covers damage related to power surges. The answer will depend on the insurer\u2019s offering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to ensure that your policy is inclusive of cover for power surges and power dips is to talk directly to your insurer. You can prepare for the conversation by creating a list of questions, all of which should form part of how you choose and negotiate with an insurer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of these questions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n