Whether from a storm, equipment failure, fallen
trees or something else, a power outage can happen at any time. While power
outages are highly likely to occur, many people are left unprepared when they
happen. In a blackout, most people find themselves rummaging through their junk
drawer, hoping to find a flashlight and praying the batteries still have a
charge.
The good news is there are a number of light sources
and ideas you can use to light your house during a power outage. There are five
main lighting options that will work during a power blackout:
- Candles
- Kerosene
Lamps
- Solar
Powered LED lamps
- Hand
lanterns
- Flashlights
Flashlights
When lights go out, the first thing we think of getting is a flashlight. All flashlights are battery-powered. However, the bulb they use will vary from one make and model to another. They are handy for walking around the house during a power blackout. However, they are not great for lighting your house for long hours. Candles
Candles
They are often among the first choices for
emergency lighting. It’s a light source that has been around for thousands of years;
candles are a lighting source that keeps things simple. They are easily
attainable, have no expiration, and are easy to use. If candles are part
of your power outage preparations, make sure that for every type of candle you
also have the proper non-flammable holder for it.
Solar Powered LED Lamps
These are LED lamps that source their energy from
sunlight, which is stored in inbuilt or dedicated batteries for specifically
powering the lamps. Although their main purpose is to provide light, some of
these lamps have ports that you can use to charge your phone.
A good solar powered lamp can last up to 8 hours
when fully charged. They are usually brighter than oil lamps and last longer
without going out. One of the main advantages of solar-powered LED lamps is
they do not require maintenance once you purchase them.
Kerosene Lamps
Kerosene lamps have one major problem - they tend
to give off a pungent smell. Although they are one of the most affordable
options, they have serious health implications.
The good news is such lamps are known to provide
sufficient light for an average room of about ten by ten feet. If you live in a
remote area like a cabin in the woods, a kerosene lamp may be one of the few
options you have available during a power outage. You need to be careful when
you use a kerosene lamp.
For starters, these lamps are not recommended in
houses with small children. At the same time, they can be a fire risk.
Hand Lanterns
Hand lanterns are designed differently. There are
those that are battery or kerosene operated.
Battery
Battery operated hand lanterns are considered to
be the safest type of hand lanterns. For starters, they do not use any type of
fuel. This means they cannot be a fire hazard should they be dropped accidentally.
Factors that determine the amount of light a
battery-operated hand lantern will give are two. First, the battery used in the
lantern, and secondly the bulb will determine the amount of light it gives
off.
Kerosene
Kerosene hand lanterns are the last and have the
lowest rating when it comes to hand lanterns. Kerosene hand lanterns are
usually smaller in size when compared to kerosene lamps. This means they will
not have the storage to hold a lot of kerosene. As a result, they tend to last
for a few hours before a refill is required.
If you do not mind refilling this type of lantern,
then it may be the best option. On the plus side, kerosene hand lanterns are
usually very affordable.
All these are great ideas when it comes to
lighting your house during a power outage. The one you choose should go
together with your preferences. You should also consider your budget before you
make a decision. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Pay us a visit at our Corinth (450-7247) Monchy (450-7248) Vide Bouteille (450-7246) or Babonneau (450-5759) branch, or visit our website www.raycip.com, for your choice of lighting in case of a sudden blackout. We’re always happy to serve you #ShopRayneau #EverythingUnderOneRoof
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