Emergency Preparedness - Lights and Radio

Having water available to you in a time of crisis is very important. Something else that is very important is keeping informed about whatever the situation is that has caused the emergency. Somewhat less important, but extremely helpful, is having light when the power is out.

There are two different kinds of radios that will prove useful in a power failure. The first is a battery operated one that, so long as you have batteries available, will do the trick without a problem. The smaller emergency radios that you can find are best because they draw only a small amount of watts, so the batteries will go further. The second kind of radio is a radio equipped with either a solar panel, a dynamo, or both. These radios will operate perpetually given enough sunlight, or a person willing to wind it up. Most people know what radio stations in their local area does the best job of announcing information as it becomes available. If you don't know what radio station to listen to, take some time now to do a bit of research; ask some friends, neighbours or family as to what radio station they would listen to during an emergency. Know where your emergency radio is so that in a time of emergency you can always find it.

When it is dark, the number of options available to us for doing things is severely limited. Having even a small amount of light permits us to move with relative ease or do some general tidying chores. A more focused brighter light would allow for things like reading a book or playing a board or card game. Traditional flash lights will do, however, more modern led flash lights shine just as bright or brighter with a lower electrical consumption. The expense of these small led flash lights is also sufficiently low that you could have one per family member in the house. Candles can also be used; it wouldn't be a bad idea to go out and buy a pack of scent-free utility candles right now, while availability is easy. At times of crisis or emergency, candle stocks run out quickly and so if you haven't any, you aren't going to get any. Do not forget that with candles you also need to have some way to light them. Finally, with respect to candles, one must never leave them unattended lest a fire be caused. This measure of safety is not to be taken lightly. Know where your flash lights and candles are so that in a time of emergency, especially if the power goes out at night, at least one person is able to navigate in the dark to where the lights are.

Having lights and a radio available to you in a time of emergency can be tremendous aids in keeping calm and keeping informed. Having the lights available to also extend your days allows you to accomplish tasks into the night that you would not otherwise be able to do. Do what you can in the next day or two to acquire the emergency radio and lights that will come in really handy in a time of emergency.