powernoodle
Flashlight Enthusiast
The remnants of hurricane Ike whipped through KY last Sunday and knocked out the electricity to over 300,000 customers in my metropolitan area alone. We were out the whole week.
The first day, it was almost fun being without electricity. An excuse to play with my flashlights. And Mrs. Powernoodle and the Powernoodle Progeny figured out that popcorn the old fashion way on the gas stove (which is the only way we could do it) is way better than the air popped stuff.
By the start of day 2, its not so fun. Kids out of school all week. But I did have a generator to keep the fridge, freezer, battery chargers and small tv going. Watched a few dvd's on the small travel dvd player. Had it much better than many. And we all had it better than many folks in Texas and elsewhere, so I'm not complaining. Had candles in every room, and the weather was just about perfect for keeping the windows open 24/7.
The 4200 watt Sears generator used 10 gallons of gas in 24 hours. The fridge and freezer were not placing much of a load on it, so I was getting good "mpg". I figured out later in the week that I might as well shut it off from midnight to 6am as the fridge and freezer would stay cold that long if left closed. Had it chained to a column on the porch.
My light of choice was a Fenix L0D CE feeding on an Eneloop. Had it around my neck on a lanyard, so it was always easily accessible and it also gave me hands free operation. Could walk around with it shining on the floor in front of me. In total darkness, its more than enough light.
Also carried a Fenix L1D Q5 on my belt, when more light was required. Eneloop there too.
Mrs. Powernoodle became quite fond of the Zebralight H30-Q5 headlamp, which makes a ton of light. I have all kinds of toys like that that she's never seen.
I also found that - because I had the generator - rechargeable batteries were the way to go. I do have a stash of primaries, but being able to switch out the rechargeables for fresh ones from time to time was nice. When the lights are out, you don't want to be rationing batteries.
Mac's Osram magmod (link) was the primary room light when used in candle mode. Even on low it lit up the room and never required charging all week.
Ordered an Olight Warrior Q5 and received it the day the lights came back on.
There is no moral to this story, except that its great to own a generator before 300,000 households decide they want one too.
The first day, it was almost fun being without electricity. An excuse to play with my flashlights. And Mrs. Powernoodle and the Powernoodle Progeny figured out that popcorn the old fashion way on the gas stove (which is the only way we could do it) is way better than the air popped stuff.
By the start of day 2, its not so fun. Kids out of school all week. But I did have a generator to keep the fridge, freezer, battery chargers and small tv going. Watched a few dvd's on the small travel dvd player. Had it much better than many. And we all had it better than many folks in Texas and elsewhere, so I'm not complaining. Had candles in every room, and the weather was just about perfect for keeping the windows open 24/7.
The 4200 watt Sears generator used 10 gallons of gas in 24 hours. The fridge and freezer were not placing much of a load on it, so I was getting good "mpg". I figured out later in the week that I might as well shut it off from midnight to 6am as the fridge and freezer would stay cold that long if left closed. Had it chained to a column on the porch.
My light of choice was a Fenix L0D CE feeding on an Eneloop. Had it around my neck on a lanyard, so it was always easily accessible and it also gave me hands free operation. Could walk around with it shining on the floor in front of me. In total darkness, its more than enough light.
Also carried a Fenix L1D Q5 on my belt, when more light was required. Eneloop there too.
Mrs. Powernoodle became quite fond of the Zebralight H30-Q5 headlamp, which makes a ton of light. I have all kinds of toys like that that she's never seen.
I also found that - because I had the generator - rechargeable batteries were the way to go. I do have a stash of primaries, but being able to switch out the rechargeables for fresh ones from time to time was nice. When the lights are out, you don't want to be rationing batteries.
Mac's Osram magmod (link) was the primary room light when used in candle mode. Even on low it lit up the room and never required charging all week.
Ordered an Olight Warrior Q5 and received it the day the lights came back on.
There is no moral to this story, except that its great to own a generator before 300,000 households decide they want one too.
I've done five days in 30 degree weather with no gas appliances or generator, you're very fortunate, hope at least a few can learn that preparation and a good generator can make all the difference..
