By Burgie Ireland RN RM SANC
You may have prepared for every eventuality when it comes to baby, but have you thought about load-shedding? This inconvenience can strike at any time, so it’s best to be prepared.
Download the load shedding schedule from the electricity department at your local municipality. Then take a trip to your local hardware to scout for torches, heating and cooking devices if you don’t already have these.
This is when breastfeeding is a bonus – ‘on-tap’ milk is always available, at the right temperature and without the fuss of mixing formula. If you’re expressing, you can use a manual hand-pump, battery-powered model or a breast-pump that is powered either by electricity or battery.
More tips:
- Update your first-aid kit. Ask your pharmacist if you’re not sure what to stock
- Keep rechargeable devices charged. Mobile wi-fi is a useful standby.
- Keep a flask of boiled water
- Have a supply of batteries, matches, candles and flashlights in an easy-to-reach cupboard
- Convert to off the grid where possible e.g. gas and solar power
- Camping cookers that use cooking gel are safe and easy to use
- Keep sufficient petrol in your vehicle
- Have snack-food and fruit on stand-by
- Babies don’t need to be bathed every day
- Be aware of fire hazards – don’t leave little children alone with a wax candle. Give them a flashlight instead
- Make sure electrical appliances are not faulty to prevent fires starting if you’re out when the power comes back on
- Make sure security alarms and cameras have back-up power. Check this with your security company
- If you have little children, have a ‘darkness drill’ so that they know what to do
- Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today. Tomorrow you may not have power!