Power Outage: What to Do Now and How to Prepare

A power outage can feel abrupt and stressful, especially during loadshedding or sudden grid failure. First thing: stay calm. This short guide gives clear, practical steps you can use right away and simple prep that cuts the hassle next time the lights go out.

Immediate steps during a power outage

Check if the outage is only your place. Look at neighbouring houses or apartments and check your circuit breakers. If only your home is affected, unplug sensitive electronics to avoid damage when power returns.

Find a reliable light source. Use LED torches or headlamps rather than candles if possible. Candles burn well but can cause fires—keep them away from curtains and children and never leave them unattended.

Keep the fridge and freezer closed. A closed fridge will keep food safe for about 4 hours; a full freezer can stay cold for 24–48 hours. If the outage will last longer, move perishable food to a cooler with ice packs.

If someone uses a medical device that needs power, switch to battery backups or call local health services for advice immediately. Register critical needs with your utility where possible so they can prioritise supply or provide support.

Use your phone sparingly. Turn on power-saving mode and close unused apps. If you have a car charger or power bank, use it wisely to preserve battery for calls and alerts.

Quick prep for the next outage

Build a basic outage kit: LED torch, spare batteries, a power bank, a basic first-aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Keep the kit in a known spot so you can grab it fast.

Consider a small inverter or solar power bank for phones and lights. Solar lanterns and affordable battery packs can keep essentials running for hours without noisy fuel or complex installs.

Learn your utility’s update channels. For South Africa, Eskom posts loadshedding schedules and stage updates online and on social media. Bookmark local utility pages and sign up for SMS alerts if available.

Plan for work and study. If you work from home, have offline tasks ready and save important files locally. For students, download materials or record lectures while power is on.

Check your insurance and business continuity options if you run a business. Keep receipts for damaged goods caused by outages; insurers often require proof.

Power outages happen for many reasons: maintenance, faults, drought-driven generation issues, or system-wide loadshedding like Eskom’s Stage 3. You can’t stop every outage, but you can be ready. Small steps—unplugging appliances, a charged power bank, and a stocked cooler—save money, stress, and time. Stay informed, keep neighbours in the loop, and treat safety first.

Want live updates and deeper coverage on outages and energy in Africa? Check our latest articles and alerts on Africa Daily Tasks News to stay ahead of the next blackout.