Grandkids and Fun Times

Emergency Lighting Solution

I don't know about you, but I don't like the feeling of sitting in the dark during a power outage. And it is not uncommon for the power to go out during a thunder or lightening storm when we are at the cottage.

There are many types of emergency lights to use during power outages and I thought I would share a solution to this problem that I have used. I thought of it several years ago. I don't remember ever reading a blog, website, or anything else about this particular lighting solution. As far as I know, I made it up.

It's very easy and relatively inexpensive. So what is my amazing "make-do" discovery?

Solar lights for the yard.

With just a little adaptation they can be used indoors during a power outage. If you know there is a storm coming and you think the power might go off, you could go outside and bring in the solar lights before it is dark. Or, if you are not prepared, just grab your flashlight (with fresh batteries) that you have sitting by the door, go out and gather up the lights, bring them in, and suddenly: you have light!

The most important thing to remember is this: Put the solar lights back outside the following morning. They DO REQUIRE SUNSHINE TO POWER THEM! That is why they are called "Solar Lights".

At the cottage I have a wall sconce hanging in each room, and a solar light fits in like it was made for it. Now, one little solar light in each room is not going to give you enough light for anything other than walking around without running into something. But you could have several in each room, or a grouping in each area of the house and you could have enough light to play a board game, eat a meal, or even read a book if your eyesight is strong.

The children could color pictures, do puzzles. The family could sing songs together. You get the idea.

You have to remember: no computers, no tv's or dvd's during a power outage. You have to find something else to do. It is an indoor adventure.

I hope your windows open easily because during a power outage it gets HOT! Perhaps someday I will share a funny story with you about one of our "adventures" during a power outage several years ago.

At our house in town I don't have wall sconces hanging on the wall so I came up with some ways to use solar lights inside the house.

I have some pretty glass vases that hold the lights without the stakes. Don't they look nice.

A jar can be recycled into a "light holder" if you use the stake.

Yes, there are other options for emergency lighting during a power outage. You could use candles. Or oil lamps, Or battery operated lights. My Solar Light Solution is just one more option. And I think it is much safer than anything with flames and fuel. Especially when there are children in the house.

July 4, 2010

Lots of pictures.  I hope you enjoy them.

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