A power outage can make things harder for a mama. With a little planning, having no electricity should not be stressful.
If anything, it can even be a chance to slow down, be creative, and spend time with your family and peacefully in God’s presence.
Whether it’s loadshedding, a power surge, or a sudden power fault, or whatever they call it these days, it’s important to be ready because electricity can go out at any time, and life doesn’t stop when it does.
We have had two instances in the past months where we did not have electricity for 3 days in a row.
Being prepared keeps your family:
- Safe – avoiding accidents, slips, or food spoilage.
- Comfortable – having light, warmth, water, and meals ready.
- Calm – reducing stress and panic when the lights go out.
- Connected – keeping phones charged and communication lines open.
- Resilience – teaching children how to adapt, problem-solve, and be patient.
- Fed – ensuring everyone has meals or snacks, even without electricity.
This keeps it clear and mama-focused: your family is safe, comfortable, calm, connected, resilient, and fed during a blackout.
Like the Proverbs 31 woman, her home was clothed and ready for all seasons, a place of warmth in winter, light in darkness, and nourishment in every hour.
The Mother watches over her household, preparing it with care and wisdom so that her family is safe, fed, and comforted, no matter what the day brings.
A little preparation ahead of time means you’re not scrambling in the dark. It allows you to focus on your family, your home, and God, instead of just trying to survive.
1. Prepare in Advance
A little preparation goes a long way. When the lights go out, having essentials ready can make your home calmer, safer, and more comfortable:
- Stock your pantry with canned goods, pasta, rice, snacks, and easy-to-cook meals.
- Keep a supply of baby or toddler essentials: formula, wipes, diapers, and snacks.
- Charge phones, tablets, and power banks before the power goes out.
- Download music, audiobooks, or stories for offline use.
- Fill buckets or bottles with water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
- Have solar lights, candles, and lanterns ready.
- Stock up on solar backup batteries, inverters, and lights for longer outages.
- Check your generator, inverter, or batteries and charge them ahead of time.
- Store ice in a cooler box to keep perishables cold.
- Prepare non-electric cooking options: charcoal, gas for stoves, wood, or a Wonderbag.
- Keep hand-powered tools: manual whisks, grinders, and can openers.
- Keep a first aid kit and essential medicines handy.
- Have extra blankets, warm clothes, and sleeping mats for comfort.
- Keep a small cash reserve; sometimes ATMs or card machines don’t work during a power outage.
- Keep basic cleaning supplies for spills, dishes, and hygiene in case there is no running water.
- Prepare a basket of quiet activities for kids: coloring books, puzzles, small toys, or crafts.
- Write down emergency contacts on paper in case your phone dies.
- Keep a flashlight or headlamp for each family member.
- Keep non-electric entertainment ready: board games, cards, or books.
- Plan safe spaces for cooking and warming food without electricity.
Tip: Store these items in easy-to-reach spots so you don’t waste time searching during a blackout.
Using Old Truck Batteries:
- Heavy-duty truck batteries often have a lot of life left, even if they’re no longer ideal for starting engines.
- These deep-cycle or lead-acid batteries can store significant energy and can be connected to an inverter to convert DC (from the battery) to AC (for household appliances).
Recharging Without Electricity:
- Batteries can be recharged using alternative energy sources like solar panels.
- Some batteries can even be “jump-started” with another battery temporarily to restore charge.
Advantages During a Blackout:
- Truck batteries are large and robust, meaning they hold more charge and last longer than standard car batteries in emergencies.
- When combined with an inverter, they can power essential devices like lights, fans, or small appliances during a blackout.
Maintenance Tips:
- Ensure the battery terminals are clean.
- Check electrolyte levels in lead-acid batteries and top up with distilled water if needed.
- Avoid deep discharges if possible, as this reduces battery life.
Safety Considerations:
- Old batteries can leak acid or produce hydrogen gas, so keep them in a ventilated area.
- Always use the correct fuses, cables, and inverters to prevent short circuits or fires.
2. Adjust Household Tasks
Some simple changes make life easier without electricity:
- Cook on a gas stove or an outside fire/braai.
- Use a Wonderbag or insulated cooker to keep meals warm.
- Wash and iron clothes ahead of time.
- Use hand-held appliances like a manual whisk or grinder.
3. Cozy Comfort & Intentional Spaces
Comfort doesn’t need electricity. Blackouts are perfect for creating cozy, intentional spaces:
- Snuggle under blankets and cushions.
- Light candles or solar lamps for a soft, gentle illumination.
- Read stories, do crafts, or play quiet games with your children.
- Avoid social media that can cause stress.
- Create small “quiet corners” for reflection, prayer, or reading.
4. Focus on Prayer & God
A blackout can slow life down and help you notice God’s presence:
- Light a candle and pray or read a verse of Scripture.
- Sing or play offline music to lift your spirits.
- Teach children to pause, breathe, and notice God in the small moments.
- Practice gentle reflection and gratitude as a family.
5. Spend Time Outside
Nature is grounding and calming:
- Let children play in the garden or yard.
- Take a short walk to stretch legs and enjoy the fresh air.
- Safely light an outside fire or braai for warmth and cooking.
- Observe birds, trees, and sunlight. It’s a chance to connect and notice God’s creation.
6. Connect With Neighbors
Blackouts are easier when we help each other:
- Check on neighbors and share resources if possible.
- Invite children to play together nearby safely.
7. Security Measures
Even short blackouts can make homes more vulnerable. Prepare for safety:
- Check locks and reinforce doors and windows before it gets dark.
- Keep keys in a safe, open area for your family
- Keep flashlights or headlamps in every bedroom.
- Use solar or battery-operated motion sensor outdoor lights for pathways and entrances.
- Have a family safety plan: meeting points, signals, and procedures.
- Keep emergency contacts handy, on paper or printed.
- Consider a whistle or alarm for children to alert you if needed.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and teach children basic safety tips.
- Have backup transportation or a plan if leaving the home safely is necessary.
8. Fun Activities for Kids
Even without electricity, children can stay entertained and calm:
- Storytime & Imagination: Read aloud, make up stories, or create shadow puppets.
- Arts & Crafts: Drawing, coloring, collages, or nature crafts.
- Quiet Play: Puzzles, building blocks, board games, or imaginative play.
- Outdoor Adventures: Garden exploration, nature scavenger hunts, short walks.
- Music & Movement: Sing, play makeshift instruments, or do simple dancing/stretching.
- Prayer & Reflection: Candle prayers, gratitude sharing, or quiet reading.
- Educational Activities: Simple science experiments, counting games, or story writing.
9. Keep Perspective
Remember, life does not stop when the power goes out. A blackout can be a chance to:
- Slow down
- Notice small blessings
- Be creative and patient
- Teach children resilience
- Stay together as a family
Mama-Friendly Checklist
✅ Food stocked
✅ Water containers filled
✅ Phone charged / power bank ready
✅ Offline music or audiobooks
✅ Solar lights & candles
✅ Gas stove & fuel ready
✅ Cozy blankets & cushions
✅ Creative activities for kids
✅ Prayer or Scripture ready
✅ Safe outdoor fire setup
✅ Neighbors checked
Encouragement for Mamas
The lights may be out, but your patience, creativity, and faith are stronger than a blackout. Take this chance to slow down, enjoy your children, and notice God in the ordinary moments. Darkness cannot hide God’s light.
Shalom,
Following God’s Ways,
Natasha Chetty.
