Make sure you have at least 1 working flashlight at home.
How To Do It
Find all the flashlights in your home and test them. Where do you keep spare batteries? Make sure you stockpile some of each type in an easy-to-find place. If you only have one working flashlight, add flashlights and batteries to your shopping list. Consider buying a wind-up flashlight which never needs batteries, or look for LED (light-emitting diode) lights that use less energy and are more durable than conventional bulbs. Put at least one flashlight on each floor of your home, for example, in the kitchen, in the bedroom and in the basement. Mark your calendar to test again in 6 months.
Why It Matters
In an emergency situation-- especially natural disasters [like that earthquake/tsunami that's been in the news. Keep all the victims and their families in your prayers. My friend did finally hear from her family late last night. They are fine, but the roof of her grandparents house has collapsed. So grandpa's in the hospital and grandma is living with one of her sons. Ok, back to what it really says...] In an emergency situation-- especially natural disasters-- you may experience a power outage for an extended period of time. When that happens, a reliable flashlight is essential. Switching on a flashlight is much safer than lighting a candle or striking a match. Ideally, you should have flashlights stored in multiple locations in your home and car. For a list of other items to include in a basic emergency supply kit and tips for making a famiy emergency plan, go to: Ready: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed. (A government preparedness guide.)
Fun Fact
Englishman David Misell patented the first flashlight in 1899. Only in North America are they called flashlights. Other English-speaking countries refer to them as "torches" or "electric torches."
Well, Greg and I just released our brand new flashlights from their plastic tombs. We had bought them a few months ago with our wedding gift card money. However, we do not have extra batteries for either of them. I suppose that will go on the shopping list. We do have a stockpile of smaller sizes, because you never know when that pesky remote will loose battery power and that's just a tragedy! They are both hanging out in our pantry with the other tools. Which I think is adequate for our less than 1,000 square foot humble abode. Greg also has a small flashlight on his keychain. I used to because when I was in high school, my parents had a habit of locking the door and shutting of the porch light before I got home. ("Saving electricity!" my mom would say.) Maybe I'll add one of those to the list as well.
On another note, this was a really good reminder that we need to make an emergency plan. Click that link up there. You'll never realize just how unprepared you are for a natural disaster, which is definitely a possibility where we are living in Tornado Alley, until you read around on that website.
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