Lighting
I published this originally in August 2009. 11 years later, from the disasters I've seen on the news and lessons learned from everyone here are my new perspectives...
Light is the most important need in an emergency. It provides the psychological assurance of normalcy and safety.
There are many ways to provide light. Here are a few and not in any specific order of recommendation:
Headlamps/Flashlight
Candles
Hurricane lamp
Propane lantern
Solar powered yard lights
Generator
Headlamps. Work when you need your hands, which is all the time. Just avoid shining them in peoples eyes. Yes, you can see the other person, but the other person is now blind! Great to have in the car when changing a tire at night. Great to have when you are walking around the house, when you are doing dishes. Great to let the children have their own and yes they will loose them, but they are so inexpensive these days. Be sure to have the right size batteries on hand. And if you do loose yours, put your hands on your head, you just might find it there! Flashlights are another great resource and sometimes provide more light than a headlamp. One is not better than the other, just whatever you prefer.
Candles are to be avoided. There are all sorts of styles such as traditional wax, there are some that are scented, then there are the candles that burn oil and then there are tea lights. We have some non-scented candles and tea lights in our home, but we rarely use them, mostly decaration, but right after the lights go out, we pull our our lighters we use for the BBQ and light away. They don't produsce the best light, but they provide a sense of comfort. But they are a fire hazard. Best to have some on hand as they never expire and provide instant light, but use with caution. Terrible to loose your power then to loose your home. Just something to consider.
I know some of you will recommend light sticks. But from my current situation have found solar, glow in the dark lights work for us. You can choose the color you want. They recharge during the day. They float. Instant light. Glow sticks break and they are a one and done deal. But still, lights sticks are another great tool to have on hand if they fit your needs.
Hurricane lamps are great because they produce ALOT of light. They do require storage of lamp fuel which stores for years. They can cause a fire if knocked over. The flue is fragile and break easily, but they will bring the peace you need when the batteries are dead. They are nostalgic and bring back memories of the “old days.”
Propane lanterns are a great resource to have on hand. Useful for camping and emergencies and are safe (propane lasts indefinitely) but they are so bright indoors that we use these as last resort. Pick it up, attach the canister, flip the switch and instant light.
Solar powered yard lights are something to consider. The lights recharge outside then at night you can bring them in and provide minimal light (great for kid’s room – similar to a night light). Especially great for a bathroom where you don’t need a lot of light. ($25)
Generators are an option. Considerations are noise, price, maintenance, used once a year, take up a lot of room, heavy, and if not used correctly, lethal. We don’t own one. But those in the hot and humid South (hurricane regions) love them for running the fridge, fan, TV and lights. Defintely something to consider, but start with your budget in mind first. There range from the Harbor Freight to Honda.
I published this originally in August 2009. 11 years later, from the disasters I've seen on the news and lessons learned from everyone here are my new perspectives...
Light is the most important need in an emergency. It provides the psychological assurance of normalcy and safety.
There are many ways to provide light. Here are a few and not in any specific order of recommendation:
Headlamps/Flashlight
Candles
Hurricane lamp
Propane lantern
Solar powered yard lights
Generator
Headlamps. Work when you need your hands, which is all the time. Just avoid shining them in peoples eyes. Yes, you can see the other person, but the other person is now blind! Great to have in the car when changing a tire at night. Great to have when you are walking around the house, when you are doing dishes. Great to let the children have their own and yes they will loose them, but they are so inexpensive these days. Be sure to have the right size batteries on hand. And if you do loose yours, put your hands on your head, you just might find it there! Flashlights are another great resource and sometimes provide more light than a headlamp. One is not better than the other, just whatever you prefer. Candles are to be avoided. There are all sorts of styles such as traditional wax, there are some that are scented, then there are the candles that burn oil and then there are tea lights. We have some non-scented candles and tea lights in our home, but we rarely use them, mostly decaration, but right after the lights go out, we pull our our lighters we use for the BBQ and light away. They don't produsce the best light, but they provide a sense of comfort. But they are a fire hazard. Best to have some on hand as they never expire and provide instant light, but use with caution. Terrible to loose your power then to loose your home. Just something to consider.
I know some of you will recommend light sticks. But from my current situation have found solar, glow in the dark lights work for us. You can choose the color you want. They recharge during the day. They float. Instant light. Glow sticks break and they are a one and done deal. But still, lights sticks are another great tool to have on hand if they fit your needs.
Hurricane lamps are great because they produce ALOT of light. They do require storage of lamp fuel which stores for years. They can cause a fire if knocked over. The flue is fragile and break easily, but they will bring the peace you need when the batteries are dead. They are nostalgic and bring back memories of the “old days.”
Propane lanterns are a great resource to have on hand. Useful for camping and emergencies and are safe (propane lasts indefinitely) but they are so bright indoors that we use these as last resort. Pick it up, attach the canister, flip the switch and instant light.
Solar powered yard lights are something to consider. The lights recharge outside then at night you can bring them in and provide minimal light (great for kid’s room – similar to a night light). Especially great for a bathroom where you don’t need a lot of light. ($25)
Generators are an option. Considerations are noise, price, maintenance, used once a year, take up a lot of room, heavy, and if not used correctly, lethal. We don’t own one. But those in the hot and humid South (hurricane regions) love them for running the fridge, fan, TV and lights. Defintely something to consider, but start with your budget in mind first. There range from the Harbor Freight to Honda.
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