6 things to add to your loadshedding survival kit

18 December 2014 - 15:47 By Sunday Times
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Here's what you can buy to help you light your home, cook meals and charge your cellphones through the power cuts:

Battery and solar-powered lights are a safer bet than candles when you've got children and pets around the house.

The eco-friendly Consol Solar Jar provides almost six hours of bottled sunshine before needing to be recharged. It's priced from R140 at Consol shops (www.consol.co.za) Prices vary at other stockists.

 

Clamp the battery-powered Blackfire Clamplight, R399 from Cape Union Mart, onto a door or shelf, then swivel it to shine light where you need it.

By planning ahead you can enjoy a hot meal in the evenings with a non-electric, heat-retaining slow cooker. Bring your food to the boil on the stove or over the fire, then pop the pot into the Wonderbag and it will continue to cook for up to 12 hours. Prices start at R200. Order online from wonderbag.co.za or purchase at select Outdoor Warehouse stores.

 

Want a roaster, griller, fryer and baker all in one - without needing to plug in your oven? The compact SAfire Roaster is easy to fire up with the charcoal contained in the bottom container. Prices start at about R829. You can find out more at safirecookers.com or order online from takealot.com

 

Can't face the day without your morning cup of coffee?

The TrekkerSST Kelly Kettle is fuelled by burning kindling and will boil water in minutes. Various sizes are available, priced from R647.10, from Overland Solutions (overlandsolutions.co.za).

 

If you did not charge your cellphone or laptop before the power went out, you're probably in a pickle. The Powertraveller Spidermonkey Portable Charger is a compact hub capable of recharging devices via USB. Charge it via solar charges, your electrical sockets or your computer. There are several to choose from, starting at R659. Visit iwarehouse.co.za to find out more.

 

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now