Home safety during loadshedding 

We all loathe the “L” word and strive daily to not let it get the better of us. As loadshedding has become the norm, we’ve had to turn to gas stoves and alternative sources of power.

With this in mind, let’s get to grips on using gas stoves and ensuring our homes stay safe. 

Cooking with gas

Many people now have a small gas stove as a back-up to be able to cook when the electricity is shut off. A gas stove is practically a necessity during loadshedding, but it’s important to be mindful of potential gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you smell gas in the house, don’t turn on the stove to “check” – this could cause an explosion. The first thing to do is close the burner or gas bottle. Check again in an hour or so if the smell persists. If it does, call a technician who is trained to check for a leak and manage the problem. 

When cooking, make sure that the flames never go as high as to reach the sides of the pot, and always maintain a safe distance from the flames so as not to snag your clothes on the stove. Remember that a gas stove heats up very quickly because the flame provides the source of heat. Make sure your kids are far away from the stove and don’t allow them to fiddle with the knobs. Also, don’t make open fires near a thatched roof, as it can quickly catch fire from sparks.  

When you’re done cooking, allow the stove to cool off and then clean up bits and pieces of food and oil that may have spattered around. These bits can burn the next time around and cause damage to the stove, or trigger a fire. 

It’s a good idea to have your gas stove regularly maintained by a professional. They will know what to look for and ensure the gas levels are correct and that there are no potential leakages. 

The World Health Organization cites that, “Around 2.4 billion people worldwide cook using open fires or inefficient stoves fuelled by kerosene, biomass and coal, which generates harmful household air pollution. Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year in 2020, including over 237 000 deaths of children under the age of five.”

With this in mind, take care to ensure your house is ventilated when using a gas stove. Open the windows and allow fresh air to circulate, as cooking with gas creates air pollutants that are damaging to your health in close quarters. 

Safety during loadshedding 

Walk around the house a few minutes before loadshedding starts and unplug appliances and electronics, and switch off all plug points and chargers. This helps prevent electric surges when the electricity comes back on. 

Remember, the electricity can come back on at any time, so be mindful and stay safe.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.