Living in South Africa means that load shedding isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.

Even if we manage to go months without losing power, we know, that eventually, the lights will go out.

Eskom has warned South Africans that there is a “high risk: of load shedding this weekend, and I think we all know what that means.

With that in mind, preparation is key to surviving load shedding, especially if you’re operating a small business that relies on electricity to function.

Here are 10 tips for individuals and small business that’ll keep you on top when the power’s down.

Know your schedule

While Eskom’s load shedding schedule is fairly unpredictable, there are a few free apps available that keep track of load shedding times throughout the various stages. We recommend EskomSePush.

Invest in alternate power sources

If your budget allows, invest in a generator or solar energy. Portable camping gas stoves are also an affordable alternative to an electric stove when load shedding hits around dinner time.

Alternate light sources

If a generator or solar power is out of your budget, there are more affordable solutions. Stock up on battery-operated LED lights and torches.

You can also use solar-powered lamps, and charge them during the day in preparation for sundown.

Take advantage of self-storage

Using a self-storage unit as an operation base for running a business is becoming an increasingly popular option for many start-up entrepreneurs and SME business owners. We’d recommend using the services of Stor-Age who are not only conveniently located, but are backed up by generators.

This means that there is no downtime during a power failure. Your stock will be constantly monitored, secure and accessible regardless of load shedding, so that your business can continue operating unaffected.

As an added bonus, if you sign up here, you’ll get 50% off of your first month of storage, and you can renew on a month-by-month basis.

Back up your data

Save, save, save and then back up everything at the end of every work session. A Cloud server is also an inexpensive way to remove the risk of working off of a hardware server.

Set up a UPS

Setting up your internet router and wireless access points to an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is an easy way to ensure that your access to Wi-Fi is not affected by a power outage.

With a UPS, your wireless network remains online so that you can continue sending emails or finish up important tasks.

Be vigilant

Be aware that criminals take advantage during load shedding schedules when security features such as alarm systems and electric gates are not functioning. Stay alert and consider purchasing a battery-powered mobile panic button.

Prepare your everyday items

Beat the load shedding blues by preparing your everyday items. For example, fill a flask with hot water so you can satisfy your caffeine craving. You should also keep your cellphone, iPad etc. fully charged.

A power bank is another good way to make sure you stay connected.

Prepare for frozen items

Keep the doors of your fridge and freezer closed during load shedding. This traps the coldness in, keeping your food from going off.

Avoid traffic

Traffic during load shedding is next-level irritating. Prepare to combat traffic rage by checking out alternative routes, or using the time to take in a podcast or listen to music.

Load shedding is inevitable, but the stress that usually goes along with it doesn’t have to be.

A little preparation goes a long way.