It's gonna be a cold winter

Janice Anderssen

Winter has yet to official arrive and already it looks like many Gautengers are going to be feeling the cold this year. Whilst Eskom deny that load shedding is taking place, many homes are being left in the dark.  Are you prepared ...?

 

This past month my area - and several surrounding suburbs - have been left in the dark due to power outage, substation faults, or whatever else Eskom decides to call it on the day.  If, that is, you can even get them to answer the phone.

There's nothing worse than battling through endless queues of traffic after a hard day at work to arrive home and find that there's no power.  The kids need food, hubby is missing his favourite sitcom and you are in desperate need of a relaxing bath.

Make life easier by getting organised now for the eventual power blackouts this winter.

1. Buy a generator

Dodgy topic this one.  Not everyone wants to fork out in the region of R4000 to R5000 rands for a noisy contraption that sucks petrol faster than hubby downs a beer.  Plus the fact that many homeowner and body corporate associations have put a ban on them unless they are soundproofed.

2. Go for gas

A gas canister or two with the various attachments that allow you to cook, heat and light a home may be expensive to buy but in the long run will be better value for money.  You can use them when the power goes out or usethem on holiday or long weekends. The only problem here is making sure that you keep them fully gassed up, especially when you find out that there's a gas shortage. Don't wait for outages to happy, get them now and make sure they are filled and ready for use.

3. Snuggle for warmth

A few extra wool blankets are essential for winter and you can always use them to snuggle up and keep warm when the power goes out.

4. Hot toddy

This one's for the feet.  Nothing worse than cold feet when you're trying to sleep.  A quality hot water bottle will keep everyone warmed up during the cold nights and - apart from filling up while the water is still hot - doesn't use electricity.

5. Beverage on tap

Always have a thermos flask or two filled with hot water.  Make it a habit to have one next to the kettle and fill it up with hot water every so often.  I simply cannot imagine going without a cuppa, especially before heading off to work.

6. Keep draughts at bay

If you take the time to draughtproof your home it will stay warmer for longer. If you need advice on installing ceiling insultation, visit the www.Home-Dzine.co.za website.  Use draught-proofing strips around windows and doors, install a door sweep at the bottom of doors, close doors when entering or leaving a room. All of these will help to keep your home warmer for longer.

Now you are ready and prepared.