When it comes to your family’s safety, it’s wise to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Every family should have basic emergency preparedness supplies tucked away for a time when they might need them. Some of the most obvious items for a family emergency kit include water packets, food storage, clothing, and first-aid supplies. These are all critical survival tools, and you should add them to your kit.
However, many well-meaning families forget about one very important safety component they’ll need in the event of a disaster: a reliable source of light. Imagine how helpless and frightened you’d feel if you had to stumble around in potentially hazardous conditions without being able to see where you’re going. Here’s why smart sources of light belong in every family emergency kit, and how to choose the right lighting equipment for your needs.
Why Practical Lighting Should Be in Every Emergency Kit
Light is one of those things that’s easy to take for granted until you don’t have it. Anyone who’s been in an extended power outage, flood, or other natural disaster will tell you how crucial it is to have reliable lighting equipment. Whether it’s a large lantern or a small LED flashlight, here are some reasons you need practical lighting solutions in your family emergency kit:
Navigation
Trying to find your way in low-level light conditions can be tricky in everyday situations. But when you add a natural disaster or any other emergency situation to the mix, navigating in total darkness can be extremely hazardous. Without light, you may not be able to find doorways, exits, or safe zones. You could also end up tripping and injuring yourself or accidentally stepping into a dangerous area. To make sure this scenario doesn’t happen, pack at least one source of reliable light in your family emergency kit.
Safety
Unfortunately, the elements may not be all you have to worry about in a chaotic and unexpected emergency. Sometimes, predators (both the four-legged and two-legged kinds) can be the biggest threat to your family’s safety. If you don’t have a good source of light in your emergency kit, you won’t be able to see if someone or something is approaching you. For this type of situation, a very bright light (1,000 or more lumens) can be helpful for startling or temporarily blinding an approaching predator. It might also buy you time so you and your family can prepare to defend yourselves or escape.
Emergency Signaling
If your family gets stuck in bad weather during a hike or skiing trip, having a smart source of light with you could save your life. You can use a regular flashlight as a distress signal to catch the attention of passersby or search and rescue teams. To flash the Morse code “SOS” signal, turn the flashlight on and off three times, quickly. Then, turn it on and off three times slowly, followed by three times quickly again. This is a well-known emergency signaling pattern that can be seen over long distances if you’re in an area with good visibility.
Types of Lighting to Add to Your Family Emergency Kit
Now that you know how important light is for any emergency situation, it’s time to figure out what type of lights to buy. You want to make sure your family emergency kit is well-stocked with a variety of lighting equipment to meet your various needs. Here are four types of lighting that can provide safety, comfort, and peace of mind in chaotic situations:
Lanterns
Lanterns provide a source of steady light that falls in a wide pattern to illuminate larger areas than a flashlight alone. It can come in handy in an emergency situation when your power is out and you need sufficient light to perform various tasks. Lanterns can light up entire small areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen. Therefore, it can make it easier to prepare food, use the bathroom, or clean up even when the power is out.
Flashlights
Flashlights are the classic homeowner’s light source for everything from camping to checking under the kitchen sink for leaks. You probably already have one in your home for your everyday needs. But when it comes to your family’s emergency kit, the type of flashlight you choose is important. Look for one that’s lightweight so it won’t weigh you down if you have to quickly leave an area on foot. You should also try to find one that’s small enough to easily fit in a backpack or pocket.
Headlamps
Headlamps are great for emergency kits because you can use them to light your way without carrying them in your hands. They provide a beam of light that always follows the direction your head is facing. Headlamps are adjustable to ensure a secure fit on your head. These small, lightweight lights make a great addition to any family emergency kit.
Conclusion
Being prepared can give you and your family peace of mind in all kinds of situations. When creating your family’s emergency kit, make sure you have at least one smart source of light. If possible, include a flashlight, lantern, or headlamp for each member of your family. Don’t forget to pack extra batteries or a portable power bank and charging cord for each light in your kit.
