Light sources are essential for any emergency preparedness plan. It is crucial to be able to see what you are doing and where you are going in an emergency. Children and individuals with special needs especially need light not just to see, but also to feel safe. It is nearly impossible to cook food adequately without a light source. Luckily, fireplaces and
emergency stoves generate light as well as heat to use when cooking. It is recommended by preparedness experts to have several emergency light sources available.
When
emergency light sources are mentioned, most people think of
flashlights. Flashlights are great because they are small, portable and easy to use. Flashlights are good for directional light, but they are not as effective in lighting up a whole room. Innovative
batteries can be recharged many times, even by the sun. Rechargeable batteries are one way to be sure you will have continual power for your flashlights. Be sure to purchase a
battery charger for your rechargeable batteries. We recommend having a flashlight at your bedside in case of an emergency during the night.
Another option is a hand crank flashlight. This type of
flashlight has a lever that you crank or pump for light.
One of the advances in preparedness is the LED (light emitting diode) bulb. These bulbs use space-age technology that allow an incredible life span of thousands of hours and emit a bright light. They do not have a sensitive filament to break and withstand much abuse. Many cars and homes are now switching to this new type of light. LED flashlights are highly recommended for any preparedness plan because of their longevity and reliability. A favorite type of LED for an emergency are
headlamps. Their lights leave your hands free and are very light weight.
Another source of light is old-fashioned decorative kerosene or lamp oil
lanterns. Not only are they great for emergencies, but they are also classic decorations. In the category of liquid fuel lamps, kerosene and lamp oil lanterns are the safest type of lanterns for indoors, and they put off a good amount of light. There are all kinds of different sizes, styles, and types of lanterns you can buy.