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HOMEOWNERS should make sure they understand the impact load shedding can have on any security system. Sufficient battery backups and charging capacity can extend the uptime of alarm systems during load shedding. It is not ideal though for any battery to be faced with continuing bouts of power cuts whether they are planned or unplanned. Batteries play a big part in your home’s security system, which includes your electric fence and the gate motor. Wireless security systems have batteries in the detectors that are not affected by load shedding, but the main control box still contains a backup battery that should not be neglected. When you check your backup batteries, make sure you look at everything. Preventative maintenance action today can help ensure that your security system still operates the…

THE latest World Economic Forum global risks perception survey has listed extreme weather as the second most severe risk on a worldwide scale over the next decade. South Africa has not been spared the brunt of this prediction with large parts of the country lashed by heavy rains that have caused flooding and extensive property damage in the last couple of weeks. With winter fast approaching, and weather patterns suggesting it is going to be a harsh season, those living in areas prone to extreme atmospheric conditions in South Africa should take precautions. There are steps that can be taken to lower risks associated with property or personal injuries during these extreme weather events. These extreme weather conditions have destroyed economies, lives and livelihoods. Importantly, South Africans need to be…

THE cooler temperatures that come with winter can create challenges for drivers, such as frost on the roads in the mornings, more mist and driving with sunlight in your eyes. There are ways to combat these challenges by simply making a few changes to your driving. Sunrise and sunset: While MasterDrive recommends always driving with your headlights on, if you do not already do so, switch them on as soon as you leave. Avoid the glare by taking a different route or changing the time that you leave, where possible. Raising your seat can also assist with reducing the glare. Ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out, as the glare can severely reduce visibility when it is dirty. Do not overlook the inside of the window. Polarised sunglasses help…

LOAD SHEDDING is hitting South African consumers right in their pockets. King Price has seen a 100% increase in the number of claims for damage caused to appliances due to power surges since the onset of load shedding. With Eskom’s troubles, things are only going to get worse. King Price Insurance has settled more than R21 million in claims between August 21 and April 23 alone for damage sustained through power surges and dips affecting residential buildings, home contents and portable possessions. This figure excludes lightning-related and large commercial claims. We’re getting a massive number of claims for “fried” computer equipment, fridges, TVs and even distribution boards caused by power surges. But there are several steps you can take to avoid having to replace your expensive appliances: Unplug your appliances:…

Winter is upon us. It gets darker earlier and for longer, and this is when criminals are known to be more active. Added to this is load shedding, which takes place at times at night and in the early hours of the morning. Power outages are anticipated to increase over winter, exacerbating the situation. POST spoke to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, to get insight into the matter. He also provided tips on proactive steps one could take. He said criminals were opportunists and would use every opportunity to strike at unsuspecting victims. “Most crimes happen during the night because criminals don’t want to be seen and/or recognised. Load shedding also provides criminals with an opportunity to execute their wicked plans. “With most house alarms not…

It is not advanced age that is causing a rise in pregnancy complications, rather the poor health of the mother, suggests research. The study led by a team from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in the US showed that rising rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth and low birth weight over the past 10 years are largely attributable to the health status of a person before they get pregnant, rather than age. The study found that the average age of pregnant individuals rose from 27.9 years in 2011 to 29.1 years in 2019, yet age accounted for only a small portion of the marked increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes seen during the period. Most striking, the rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (high…