Loadshedding impact on Security Risks
The end of the year usually brings a sigh of relief after a year of hard work, but this December still has its obstacles to overcome, with crime trends increasing and the undesirable impact of load shedding that keeps many South African homeowners up at night. The talking point of today is the Power schedules informing community members of the different phases and areas effecting, with the added convenience of informing community members of the areas affected by power outages this is also acts as a springboard for criminals to target certain areas. APCAN urges the communities to be vigilant during these scheduled power outages as criminals may take advantage of these situation:
Why?
Loadshedding brings a multitude of unforeseen problems, not only does it affect our electronic appliances but also forms communication, safety and security.
APCAN presents a few security tips for Loadshedding:
Security check list
To ensure that all your alarm system, (perimeter beams, indoor beams and panic buttons) is working and backups are in place.
Household plan
A household plan creates order, efficiency and calmness to the situation and for every family member to work together as a team.
Family Safety
Ensure family and prevention of any injuries.
Equipment
It is important to have the necessary equipment (flashlights), to be prepared for load shedding.
- Security check list
Outside perimeter check
- Electrical Fence
- Ensure that your Electric fence has a backup battery to keep working during load-shedding or a power-cut.
- External solar lights
- Make sure your outdoor solar lights are fully charged.
- You can also use outdoor solar lights indoors during power outages. (In the room, bathroom, hallways and kitchen.)
- Gate motor (Override – Keys)
Ensure that your motor has an adequate backup battery system and keys for a manual override.
- Check your Alarm system;
- Call the control center to do a signal test.
- Test your panic button to ensure your signal is received.
- Test your internal alarm system
- Internal home safety;
- Windows: Makes sure that all windows are locked.
- Doors: Check that all doors are locked and that no easy entry is available
- Garage/Gate: Outside perimeter check
https://alarm.org/emergency-safety-checklist-for-your-home/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc_zEW4hYjM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kk6Mlk5jl0
- Household plan
- Meal preparation
- Keep adequate stocks of essential food and snacks that does not require refrigeration.
- Ensure an adequate water stock
- Boil water and keep in hot water flasksfor hot drinks.
- Switch on your geyser 3 hours before load shedding.
- Geysers can keep water warm for about 3-4 hours depending on the geyser and other factors
https://www.happypreppers.com/37-food-storage.html (Food storage List)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFD_lOVgvdU (Food)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSgotSS222c (Food)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55SrKIBfA0c (Overall)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHTSwPnivbU (Water)
- Family Safety Plan
- Provide instruction to each family member to assist with action Plan:
- Food Preparations,
- Water Preparations,
- Equipment Preparations,
- Lighting Preparations etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE3XAwR412I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrtM3fkbQ-U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysjKwz3qduU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbzvomQYJpE (For Children)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xjBEBk2l68 (Family)
- Equipment’s
- Light Source
- Matches / lighters/ candles/ Flashlights
- Gas Source
- Cooking method
- Communication Method (Cellphone, Radio)
- Generator
- Fire extinguisher
- Medical Kit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkjwpL8LOgI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Hb8JYGhsE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcgrK4cQWvs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFeJw9BovZM (Medical)
There are endless tutorial videos and guides on Google and Youtube, Sharpen up your knowledge to increase your capabilities in these situations to bring the most amount of efficiency and comfort in dark situations.
