Emergency Lighting
No one likes to sit in the dark. When the power goes out, you
need to have some way to light your home in the evening.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR FRUGAL EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Most everyone keeps a flashlight handy to get around when the
power goes out. Remember to change the batteries in your flashlight at least
once a year. Batteries go bad, and the acid spills out and will ruin your
flashlight, radio, etc.
You also have the choice of windup flashlights, or flashlights
that work when you shake them. Many people have found these useful.
Candles are the most frugal and common way for many people to get
lighting in their homes for a short time. So many people collect and decorate
now with candles, that almost everyone has them available.
You can also purchase candles made for emergencies that will burn
for up to 100 hours, and light sticks that will provide light for around 12
hours.
If you are planning on using candles, be sure to store matches to
light them.
For better longer, and better long term solutions, a battery
powered lantern is easy to use. It will last for days, and you can store
batteries for long term use.
If you are planning on working outside in the dark, you can buy a
head lamp. These are powered with LED light bulbs and batteries.
They last from 17-30 hours. A head lamp is useful when you want to do
things like chopping wood.
Propane lanterns are another possibility. They provide a great
deal of light. When my husband was in Florida adjusting claims, he did many of
them in homes with the aid of light from propane lanterns.
One other resource you may have is to bring an outside solar
light from the yard inside in the evening. If it has been a sunny day, the light
will last for several hours.
Fireplaces provide light and are a source of comfort when the
power goes out.
Emergency lighting is just a matter of how much light you want.
If you want to read, you are going to need a lantern.
