Following ten months of uninterrupted power supply, load shedding back. It is easy to become complacent about how load shedding can affect your safety and security. 24/7 Security Services urges everybody to remain alert during load shedding, as crime tends to escalate during power outages. Here are some tips for keeping safe during power outages: Back-up Batteries: Make sure all batteries are charged and working. Load shedding can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your alarm’s battery. Electric Fence: Ensure that your electric fence continues to function during load shedding - the electric fence energiser should have a backup battery. Ensure that the backup battery is regularly tested. Torches: Ensure you are alert when entering or leaving your home in the evenings, as the street lights and outside lighting will not function during load shedding. Keep a torch in your car. Cell Phones: Try and keep your cell phone fully charged at all times. Panic Buttons: Ensure that panic buttons are charged and easily accessible at all times. Panic buttons must be tested regularly. Fire Risks: Candles and gas can create a fire hazard – keep a home fire extinguisher on hand. Solar or battery-operated lights are safer alternatives. If you leave your home or office during load shedding, ensure that all electrical devices are switched off or unplugged. Traffic Lights: Load shedding significantly affects traffic and traffic flow, with traffic lights out of order for long periods of time and streets dark without any streetlights. Plan your route where possible and drive with extra caution during these periods. Check with your insurance company what their policy is re accidents during load shedding. Gate Battery: If your gate motor battery runs flat during load shedding, do not leave the gate open – this is an invitation for criminals to gain quick access to your property. Keep the keys to motorised gates in an accessible place and have good-quality padlocks available to use as a backup. Ensure you have easy access to manual override keys to avoid being locked in or out of the premises. #safetyfirst