Week 9: Light

This week's task:

1. Put a flashlight or lightstick by each person's bed and in your car(s).   
2. Evaluate whether your family needs additional emergency lighting.

There are many reason the lights could go out.  And an extended outage is possible after a severe storm or earthquake.  In a disaster situation, adequate emergency lighting will help family members carry out the tasks they need to do to cope and take care of each other.

First, put a flashlight or lightstick by each person's bed.  Ideally, put it in a box or tie it to the bed frame so that it won't be flung out of reach during an earthquake.  Next, put a flashlight in your car.

Here are other emergency lighting options to consider (feel free to share a link to your favorite light in the comments):

• LED Lanterns:  LED flashlights and lanterns are bright and have great battery life.  I have this lantern, which runs for 40-90 hours on one set of 3 D batteries and it works great.  It won't light up the room like a 60-watt lightbulb, but you will be able to see what you are doing. Other well-reviewed options:  quad lantern with removable panels, folding lantern, solar rechargeable lantern.  Remember that gas and liquid-fuel lanterns are generally unsafe for indoor use. 
• Flashlights: Lightweight, bright, long-lasting LED flashlights are easy to come by.  They are easy to find in stores and Amazon has a huge selection.  I keep this tiny one  in my purse and it's very bright for its tiny size.  I also have this one, which is very bright and sturdy.  A headlamp like this or this is another good option.  Or this cool thingamajigger, which has flexible magnetic legs that can be attached to lots of different things and can give you lighting from just about any angle.  If you are looking for a hand-crank flashlight, check out these quirky and inexpensive lights at Ikea. (Thanks for the tip, Kendra!)
• Light Sticks: Immediately after an earthquake, you shouldn't use anything that has an electronic switch if you smell gas.  These light sticks are an inexpensive and safe alternative light source. They are fun for kids and will glow all night as a nightlight.  I have one taped to the underside of my kitchen table (our main 'cover' spot if there's an earthquake).
• Power Failure/Emergency Flashlights  These units plug into the wall and sense if the power goes out.  When it does, they automatically light up brightly to provide emergency lighting.  They can also be unplugged and used as a flashlight.  I got this one for Christmas, which works great and also functions as a nightlight.  This one (not a nightlight) and this one (can be used as a nightlight) get good reviews too.