The United States Embassy in South Africa has issued a Security Alert for American citizens over the ongoing energy crisis.
This includes a warning about increased crime and riots, as well as a suggestion to stockpile food and water:
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy – State of Disaster Declared Over Ongoing Energy Crisis of “Load-shedding” – Controlled Electricity Outages
Event: The government of South Africa has declared a “State of Disaster” in response to ongoing power shortages.
The country’s energy crisis includes sustained load-shedding (controlled rolling blackouts), at varying intervals and is expected to extend beyond 2023.
Load-shedding currently results in localized power outages of up to six hours or more per day throughout the country.
These planned electricity outages negatively affect private residences, businesses, municipal lighting, traffic lights, and hotels.
Rolling blackouts can also impact water availability and safety, internet connectivity, cell phone network coverage, fuel pumps (and therefore fuel availability), residential security features, and the food supply.
Additionally, power outages have the potential to increase crime; for example, traffic jams when lights are out provide opportunities for smash and grab crime, and residences can be targeted when lights are out and security systems are not functioning.
Further, ongoing conditions have led to an increase in protests and demonstrations, and in some cases civil unrest, throughout the country.
Emergency Preparedness Tips:
▫️Have a communications plan for when there is no or limited power (land line locations, external cell phone battery, additional charging cords, hard copy of important numbers, etc.)
▫️Ensure you have necessary medicine, personal hygiene supplies, eyeglasses
▫️Memorize family members’ phone numbers
▫️Identify safe areas around the city, these could include hotels, hospitals, churches, or police stations that may not lose power
▫️Maintain 72-hours’ worth of supplies at home by stockpiling non-perishable food, 3 liters of drinking water per person per day, and medicines and first aid supplies
▫️Store flashlights, batteries, radio, and basic tools in a safe location where all family members have easy access.
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