In The Dark? Some Simple Suggestions To Create Light During An Emergency
Don't get caught in the dark during the next storm, power-outage, or emergency. Check your stockpiles of emergency supplies and storage for some common materials to create emergency lanterns to illuminate your home. Be prepared by taking the initiative to try the following ideas:
A jug of water. Got a headlamp? Make the most of its light by strapping it to a full gallon-jug of water, which you probably have in your pantry or emergency supplies. The light will go through the water and create a much more expansive glow that might light up your entire room.
A can of lard. Pull a can of shortening or lard out of the pantry and create a wick from a mop-string or a strip of cotton cut from a tee-shirt. Dig a little hole in the lard for the wick to stick in and leave it hanging on the edge of the can; this lantern will last for days.
A piece of bacon. Take bacon out of the fridge and tuck a slice in a glass jar or bowl; find a strip of natural wick and light. The bacon grease acts like a candle and will create a light during your emergency. This is also a great way to use up foods that could spoil quickly during a power-outage.
A crayon. Did you know that you can light a crayon? The crayon wax replicates candle-wax, and the paper acts as a wick. It will give off a glow for around a half-hour- long enough to look for your flashlight batteries!
A can of sardines. Have a snack while you wait for the lights to come on: open-up a can of sardines packed in oil. After the sardines are gone, leave the oil in the bottom of the tin and add a wick, draping the end over the side of the can. Light the wick and it will act like an oil lamp, but with a fishier smell!
A inventive lantern. If you want to get crafty, create a makeshift lantern from cooking oil, table-salt, nail polish remover, and a toothpick. This is an effective strategy, but a bit more involved than the other suggestions.
Birthday candles. If you have any birthday candles on hand, stabilize a couple in a ceramic mug or bowl filled with salt. The grains of salt will help to keep the candles upright and use caution to prevent risk of fire. These should only be used as a light-source in the case of an emergency and never left unattended- even for a few minutes.
Try these suggestions the next time you are stuck in the dark and need an emergency light source. Check your pantry for these items, or stock up to ensure you always have something to bring light to your dim or dark home!
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