Thought I'd pass along an idea that dawned on me last night as I stumbled around in the dark when the electricty went off for a couple hours.

Being GI's, of course we have oil lamps, flashlights etc., but they are downstairs in the storage room! While getting the lamps out, I noticed a battery operated "closet light" I'd stuck in with the supplies, and realized I should have some of those lights hung in strategic spots around the house. They give off quite a bit of light, and would free up your hands from having to hold a flashlight while you get the lamps working. Furthermore, they would always be there, unlike flashlights which in my house have a habit of playing hide & seek!

-- Sheila (sross@bconnex.net), September 06, 1999

Answers

What it amounts to is that you need a wide varity of light sources so that you are prepared for any eventuality.

Kerosene lamps Flashlights Cyalume sticks Propane lights Battery powered florescents Solar powered LED types Crank powered lanterns

They each have their uses and places where they excell (ie looking for that propane leak with a Cyalume stick not a kerosene lantern)

-- LM (latemarch@usa.net), September 06, 1999.

I know this is a prep topic but this thread is running...

I purchased mail order some Eversafe Power Failure Lights to plug into receptacles around the house. When the power goes off, it goes on. Provides up to 1 1/2 hours of light . Auto reset when power is restored. Cost $11. each. This past week saw another brand at WalMart that provides up to 3 hours for $12.

Another good Xmas gift item.

-- rb (ronbanks_2000@yahoo.com), September 06, 1999.

I was reminded of the same thing a few days ago when the power went out at night. Flashlights 'walked off' somewhere, oil lamps are in my bedroom, but how do I see to light? I purchased 3 of the Dynamo, little, hand generated flashlights (no batteries). This was great when again the power went off. I could find my lamps and lighter, voila, all is well in Y2K land again!

Just Keepin' On, Keepin' On ;-)

-- Sammie Davis (sammie0nospam@hotmail.com), September 06, 1999.

I had two solar motion detection lights installed, one for the front and one for my back yard.It gives me a sense of security.

-- maggie (aaa@aaa.com), September 06, 1999.

Just a few quick thoughts....we have had an emergency light located in our central room since a wind storm last summer took out the electric for our entire community for 12 hrs. The battery takes over the instant the lights go out and it is bright enough to illuminate 1/3 of the room as well as the stairwell going up to the bedrooms and the one going down to the kitchen. It also doubles as a portable flashlight when needed.....another thought for the ladies...i resently discovered small lamps that can be as oil lamps or as tea-lights. They come in the newest pastel colors so they can be set out as part of the decor and are always ready for any emergency.(end of the season clearance prices make them a great buy now!)

-- kitten (kitten@vcn.net), September 07, 1999.