Your DIY Loadshedding Emergency Kit
You will need:
- Toolbox (to keep all your load-shedding essentials in)
- Velcro tape (strap to the box & to your torches, so they are easy to find)
- Reflective tape (strap to the box so it is easy to find)
- Torches (apply Velcro tape to the torches and attach to the toolbox)
- Spare AA & AAA batteries (for your torches & other emergency devices)
- Matches & lighter
- Lighter fluid
- Candles
- Back-up power bank
- High-wattage solar-powered lights
Your toolbox can also be used to store the smaller components of all your gas-powered devices, as well as all your LED lights.
Let’s take a look at what an extensive load-shedding backup kit should contain.
When it comes to lighting, cooking, heating & keeping the entertainment going, there are a few product options to consider:
- Gas power
- LED lighting
- Solar power
- Generator power
A closer look at gas-powered load-shedding essentials:
Before electricity became easily available, gas was the main source of power. From cooking to heating & lighting, you won’t have to give up your dinner plans if you have these essential gas equipment close at hand:
GAS CYLINDER
Gas cylinders are available in various sizes. This item is used for providing gas, through a regulator, to any number of appliances from stoves & ovens to lights & heaters.
GAS CARTRIDGE
A gas cartridge is a much smaller container, which is mainly used to provide gas for specialised portable appliances. This item is used for gas cartridge stoves & gas cartridge lights.
GAS CARTRIDGE LAMP
This is a portable light that is powered by a gas cartridge. This item can be used for camping & lighting smaller areas.
GAS HEATER
This appliance is increasing in popularity. Gas heaters provide much better spatial heating for rooms during colder months. You can heat a room quicker than using an electric heater & it doesn’t go off when the power goes out. This item is used for heating medium to large rooms during load-shedding & to save electricity costs in general.
- A closer look at LED load-shedding essentials:
More people prefer LED lightbulbs, since it produces up to 90% more efficient lighting than traditional lighting sources. With the correct LED lighting set-up, you don’t have to live in the dark during a power outage:
LED LANTERN
This battery-operated lantern is portable and perfect for illuminating smaller areas. This item is used for lighting small to medium areas such as a tent or under a car and it is also perfect for camping, braaiing or lighting up your workspace during load-shedding.
LED TORCH
These torches last much longer than regular torches. They provide sufficient white light while consuming less battery power. This ensures that they last much longer than the traditional torch This item is used for lighting any dark area from working on a car to keeping your room lit during load-shedding.
LED HEADLAMP
This handy device straps to your head so a light source is emitting from your forehead, leaving your hands free to do other things. This item is used for many things, from working on cars to navigating in the dark during load-shedding.
LED EMERGENCY LIGHT
This strip of lights is used to illuminate a room or area efficiently. It is much brighter than regular torches or even an LED headlamp. This item is used for lighting small to medium areas and is also perfect for camping & braaiing.
LED RECHARGEABLE LAMP
This innovative globe screws into your normal light fitting. It can be charged and has a switch on the side of the lamp so you can simply switch it on & still have a working light from your wall & ceiling lights during load-shedding. This item is used for home & lamp lighting in emergencies or to save electricity.
SHOP LED RECHARGEABLE LAMPS HERE
A closer look at solar load-shedding essentials:
If you create a regular charge schedule for your solar-powered devices, you will always be prepared when the lights go out. Especially if you have all the essential solar devices for your needs:
SOLAR HOME LIGHTING SYSTEM
This array of lights is powered by a single solar unit, which is fully portable. This item is used for lighting your outdoor, lighting a room & camping.
MOTION SENSOR SECURITY LIGHT
These solar-powered lights ensure that your perimeter always has security when it comes to lighting. Motion sensors activate the lights, so that you don’t have to sacrifice your safety during load-shedding. This item is used for outdoor lighting.
SHOP SOLAR MOTION SENSOR LIGHTS HERE
Which generator should you buy?
Generators can be a costly investment. Many people never even bother to do proper research about how a well-chosen generator or inverter can be your ultimate saviour during load-shedding. Are you considering upgrading your load-shedding setup? Do you know the difference between a generator and an inverter?
READ OUR ARTICLE ON GENERATORS VS INVERTERS HERE
Visit our store or shop online to get all the tools & products you need, or speak to one of our friendly in-store experts to find the best load-shedding solutions for your business & home.
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