Stereodude
Flashlight Enthusiast
Don't burn them too bright. You don't want the neighborhood cavemen to get jealous and be attracted to your house. 😱oo:
Why do we always reccomend dim lights with long runtime during outage?
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Sgt. LED
Flashaholic
:tinfoil:
I am a survivalist! It's like a hobby...........yeah, that's it.
I am a survivalist! It's like a hobby...........yeah, that's it.
lol, that means these are off limits :naughty:
Anyhow, I was thinking about this problem a little more last night and remembered a solar light that came out a few years again called the BoGo Light. Assuming the massive blackout wasn't caused by the sun exploding, you could recharge the light by a window during the day and then use it at night. With 6 or 9 25,000 LEDs (I think) it would be perfect for general navigation and even walking around rooms...
And I'm fairly sure they were only 40 or 50 dollars, plus they would send one off to a family in Africa who needed one as a bonus :thumbsup:
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Juggernaut
Flashlight Enthusiast
:laughing:
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
While it is true that most of us don't need to plan for major catastrophies there are those of us who live in areas that it would be prudent to do so. These would be areas with fault lines (where I live), hurricane zones, "Tornado Alley", near volcanoes, etc. That's why I've been following this thread with great interest.
Reading this thread, I realized that most of my battery operated lights have relatively short run times, regardless of brightness. I've decided to make a few 9V electric candles with the kids for the next extended blackout or "The Big One" that everyone is predicting will hit San Francisco. I've also started planning a few long runtime lights that have some kick to them that can be relied upon to provide bright light even weeks after a major event and hours upon hours of usage.
With regards to candles, people with younger children would probably not find this option to be viable. People who live in earthquake territory probably would not, too, as a gas leak and lit candles are a recipe for disaster.
Reading this thread, I realized that most of my battery operated lights have relatively short run times, regardless of brightness. I've decided to make a few 9V electric candles with the kids for the next extended blackout or "The Big One" that everyone is predicting will hit San Francisco. I've also started planning a few long runtime lights that have some kick to them that can be relied upon to provide bright light even weeks after a major event and hours upon hours of usage.
With regards to candles, people with younger children would probably not find this option to be viable. People who live in earthquake territory probably would not, too, as a gas leak and lit candles are a recipe for disaster.
http://www.bogolight.com/
Yes they do make them and now you can choose where the other light is shipped to........ for $50.00
Hand crank and solar lights are a viable option. Batteries are still a limited and short lived resource.
If my gas main were to break, such as in a tornado or earthquake, I think I would be moving away from my home, just as far and as fast as I could, before I turned on a flashlight, candle or torch or lit my cigarette.
Yes they do make them and now you can choose where the other light is shipped to........ for $50.00
Hand crank and solar lights are a viable option. Batteries are still a limited and short lived resource.
If my gas main were to break, such as in a tornado or earthquake, I think I would be moving away from my home, just as far and as fast as I could, before I turned on a flashlight, candle or torch or lit my cigarette.
RobertM
Flashlight Enthusiast
You know, you guys got me thinking...
For a dedicated power outage light, would this work:
3D Mag
3 D-cell alkaline cells
Cree Q2 driven to 50mA
If a Duracell D-cell is ~15,000mAh, it should run for about 300 hrs. correct? Or about 37 days when used 8 hours per day?
For a dedicated power outage light, would this work:
3D Mag
3 D-cell alkaline cells
Cree Q2 driven to 50mA
If a Duracell D-cell is ~15,000mAh, it should run for about 300 hrs. correct? Or about 37 days when used 8 hours per day?
Cydonia
Enlightened
Sounds good. Direct drive a Nichia DS Led with warm tint from 3D's and you'll have 7 or 8 lumens for... months?
My power outage lights are the 1AA Inova X1's aimed up at the ceiling. They are just single Nichia BS and CS leds lights. And that's plenty of light for me. I find it sort of strange why people need so much light :thumbsdow
I've come to the conclusion that there is a great variability - a massive variability - between peoples eyes and their low light sensitivity. I'd be scared to have eyes that needed so much light... that's a serious handicap not to be laughed at.
What I like are homemade LED bulbs. Take 1 super bright yellow 5mm LED Trim the leads, get the tweezers and fine copper wire and hook it up in a 1/4 watt 30ohm resistor. Get an old PR base bulb. Break out the glass, clean out the base. Fish out the thin copper bulb wires - hook up your new LED. Test it. Fill the PR base with epoxy. Now you've got an insane bright yellow bulb that runs direct from 2 cells nice and cool with no heat at all. Run time? Insane. Cost? $1? :ironic:
RAF_Groundcrew
Enlightened
I think 'dim' lights with long runtimes always have a place, not just for survivalist worst case scenarios.
I used to be die-hard Surefire all the way, because of the high lumen count and quality of construction. I still have 'some' Surefires, including an M6 that I hardly use because of the running cost in batteries, but I use 'other' lights more and more these days.
I have a Fenix L1D, a Jetbeam Jet1Pro, both running on AA cells, and my most used light recently is an Inova 24/7 in olive green. My first impressions on seeing this light in brochures was dislike - I thought it looked ugly as sin, and too big. It's styling is unique, and grew on me. It's not as big as it looks, and in green, it's not as 'in your face' as the yellow version.
I do part time voluntary EMT work, and the low level white light on this light is great for doing paperwork in the vehicle whilst my driver is returning from a job, and the other modes are always there if needed (can't wait for a real opportunity to use the multi-colour strobe mode).
In the pocket of my EMT jacket is a Pelican 3610PL angle head AA light with GITD bezel for the times when I ned a bit more light, and I also have an LED head torch in the other pocket.
So yes, whilst I still love Surefire, I have come to realise that there are other makers of quality lights that fit my needs.
I also have a couple of the older version Surefire L1 lights, (the ones with 90 hours on low), the ones immediately prior to the Cree versions. I think the move by SF to 'improve' the L1 by increasing both the low and high output, whilst reducing the maximum runtime was completely the opposite of my requirements for the L1.
I used to be die-hard Surefire all the way, because of the high lumen count and quality of construction. I still have 'some' Surefires, including an M6 that I hardly use because of the running cost in batteries, but I use 'other' lights more and more these days.
I have a Fenix L1D, a Jetbeam Jet1Pro, both running on AA cells, and my most used light recently is an Inova 24/7 in olive green. My first impressions on seeing this light in brochures was dislike - I thought it looked ugly as sin, and too big. It's styling is unique, and grew on me. It's not as big as it looks, and in green, it's not as 'in your face' as the yellow version.
I do part time voluntary EMT work, and the low level white light on this light is great for doing paperwork in the vehicle whilst my driver is returning from a job, and the other modes are always there if needed (can't wait for a real opportunity to use the multi-colour strobe mode).
In the pocket of my EMT jacket is a Pelican 3610PL angle head AA light with GITD bezel for the times when I ned a bit more light, and I also have an LED head torch in the other pocket.
So yes, whilst I still love Surefire, I have come to realise that there are other makers of quality lights that fit my needs.
I also have a couple of the older version Surefire L1 lights, (the ones with 90 hours on low), the ones immediately prior to the Cree versions. I think the move by SF to 'improve' the L1 by increasing both the low and high output, whilst reducing the maximum runtime was completely the opposite of my requirements for the L1.
loneranger
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2006
- Messages
- 37
I live in earthquake country and have a few young children. I value long run-times, simpler designs, and general toughness in flashlights. Here are the reasons:
1. In a big earthquake, I imagine power may be out for weeks.
2. I stockpile lots of batteries--mostly alkaline, some Eneloops, and some Lithiums. But there's no telling what might happen to them. The battery stockpile is trapped under a pile of debris. I might be too busy with other survival tasks to deal with debris removal until later. If I'm stuck away from home, my family may not have the strength/skill to remove the debris. Also, the batteries might be destroyed, such as in a fire.
3. Kids sometimes leave the batteries on overnight and forget to turn them off. They won't notice until the next evening, so they would've already used 18 hours or so of capacity. If this happens a few times, it could become a concern.
4. My neighbors, friends, and relatives are generally not as well prepared as I am. I'm sure they'll be asking for flashlights and batteries because they know I am prepared. I keep some Fauxtons and Dorcy 1AAAs around for this reason.
5. I will have enough concerns about food, water, shelter, and medical problems. I don't want to worry about running out of batteries.
I plan to use the dimmer lights for area lighting, AA lights for personal use, headlamps for tasks involving both hands, and throwers for the occasional emergency, SAR, etc.
The same is true of general planning. I keep extra water and food (aside from my family's stockpile) because I don't want to turn away a hungry friend, family member, or neighbor who didn't prepare.
1. In a big earthquake, I imagine power may be out for weeks.
2. I stockpile lots of batteries--mostly alkaline, some Eneloops, and some Lithiums. But there's no telling what might happen to them. The battery stockpile is trapped under a pile of debris. I might be too busy with other survival tasks to deal with debris removal until later. If I'm stuck away from home, my family may not have the strength/skill to remove the debris. Also, the batteries might be destroyed, such as in a fire.
3. Kids sometimes leave the batteries on overnight and forget to turn them off. They won't notice until the next evening, so they would've already used 18 hours or so of capacity. If this happens a few times, it could become a concern.
4. My neighbors, friends, and relatives are generally not as well prepared as I am. I'm sure they'll be asking for flashlights and batteries because they know I am prepared. I keep some Fauxtons and Dorcy 1AAAs around for this reason.
5. I will have enough concerns about food, water, shelter, and medical problems. I don't want to worry about running out of batteries.
I plan to use the dimmer lights for area lighting, AA lights for personal use, headlamps for tasks involving both hands, and throwers for the occasional emergency, SAR, etc.
The same is true of general planning. I keep extra water and food (aside from my family's stockpile) because I don't want to turn away a hungry friend, family member, or neighbor who didn't prepare.
Tiff
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2008
- Messages
- 76
I think a couple of battery powered lanterns such as the Rayovas with 3 D cells seem like a safe bet for indside the house. We did lose power for a long time and now we have 8" on the ground and possible power outages if this keeps up. I don't think just one light will work for all your needs. Yes you need a bright light something that can really throw the light (name your poison) and maybe a pocket sized light (L1D, D10, etc...) and a few lanterns (Rayovac, Coleman etc...) to provide room illumination and battery power is a must if you have animals that can knock over candles. Plus a few low power lights (a good AAA light)
I think that is a minimum of what you would need.
I think that is a minimum of what you would need.
KiwiMark
Flashlight Enthusiast
I tested my EDC last night - the first setting is as low as the IBS system lets me set it. On minimum output off my 1 x 14500 light I could shine it on the ceiling and see the objects in my room - admittedly I could not see colour, but I wasn't testing for selecting a co-ordinated outfit to wear. On medium it was easier to see and I could make out some colour. On high I could see colours easily and my eyes are good enough so that I could read small writing from that light reflecting off the ceiling.
In a civil emergency I would often find I simply need enough light to not walk into the furniture - if that is all I need then low output is enough, and gives me a week of use from that one torch with one battery. I have 3 fully charged spare 14500, if I was able to grab them I could run my EDC for 4 to 6 weeks if needed.
In a civil emergency I would often find I simply need enough light to not walk into the furniture - if that is all I need then low output is enough, and gives me a week of use from that one torch with one battery. I have 3 fully charged spare 14500, if I was able to grab them I could run my EDC for 4 to 6 weeks if needed.
I used to live a neighborhood where the power went out quite often. My standing joke was that every time a cloud passed over we lost power.
Overtime, I accumulated enough supplies to make life easier.
Lighting was provided by two Coleman white gas lanterns, two Coleman propane lanterns, two Aladin table lamps and two Dietz lanterns. Candle lanterns with no drip candles were also kept on hand for night light use.
Cooking turned out to a bigger problem than lighting. A Primus two burner propane camp stove converted to run off 20# refillable tanks will run for almost ever.
Today, post divorce, I still have the stuff mentioned above, but it's in an offsite storage locker as there is not enough room in my apartment.
During a recent week long power outage, I got by using four Mag LEDs ( two 2Cs and two 2Ds). Cooking was done using a cannister fueled backpacking stove.
Since then, I have added two Mag 3Ds for more lighting. Also, I retrived my Primus stove and case of disposable cannisters from storage. I still need a headlight suitable for reading at night.
Our last power outage covered a large area. A friend and I drove around for hours on the second night trying to find a store with batterys or ice without luck. We did find gas stations open and were able to top off our car's gas tanks.
Since then, my planning estimates have been revised and my new goal is having 4 to 6 weeks of fuel, food and light on hand. Still lacking storage space, I recently put a set of six foot tall storage shelves in my bedroom. They may look like hell, but still the sight is comforting. Every time I go to the grocers I pick up extra rice, beans, pasta etc.
In my apartment there is no option for generators or wood stoves and they do not have fireplaces. But, I have a pair of winter sleeping bags, rated for -10*F, that will provide adequate sleeping comfort.
Yes, like others, I do worry about my neighbors, or rather my neighbor's children, since most crimes are committed by younger folks, but the prolific genius of John Moses Browning provides solutions.
Overtime, I accumulated enough supplies to make life easier.
Lighting was provided by two Coleman white gas lanterns, two Coleman propane lanterns, two Aladin table lamps and two Dietz lanterns. Candle lanterns with no drip candles were also kept on hand for night light use.
Cooking turned out to a bigger problem than lighting. A Primus two burner propane camp stove converted to run off 20# refillable tanks will run for almost ever.
Today, post divorce, I still have the stuff mentioned above, but it's in an offsite storage locker as there is not enough room in my apartment.
During a recent week long power outage, I got by using four Mag LEDs ( two 2Cs and two 2Ds). Cooking was done using a cannister fueled backpacking stove.
Since then, I have added two Mag 3Ds for more lighting. Also, I retrived my Primus stove and case of disposable cannisters from storage. I still need a headlight suitable for reading at night.
Our last power outage covered a large area. A friend and I drove around for hours on the second night trying to find a store with batterys or ice without luck. We did find gas stations open and were able to top off our car's gas tanks.
Since then, my planning estimates have been revised and my new goal is having 4 to 6 weeks of fuel, food and light on hand. Still lacking storage space, I recently put a set of six foot tall storage shelves in my bedroom. They may look like hell, but still the sight is comforting. Every time I go to the grocers I pick up extra rice, beans, pasta etc.
In my apartment there is no option for generators or wood stoves and they do not have fireplaces. But, I have a pair of winter sleeping bags, rated for -10*F, that will provide adequate sleeping comfort.
Yes, like others, I do worry about my neighbors, or rather my neighbor's children, since most crimes are committed by younger folks, but the prolific genius of John Moses Browning provides solutions.
Wearing headlamps: When the electricity goes out, I mainly wear my Myo XP headlamp, on low and with the diffuser. Low is enough for washing dishes, etc. I may buy a Zebralight, for even smoother and broader coverage of what's underfoot, at the same time as coverage of what I am heading toward. My reasons for using a headlamp include minimal energy use, light right where I want it, and hands-free use. Comfort and good diffusion are my reasons for using the Myo XP, and for considering the Zebralights. I have and use other lights, but indoors, I mostly rack up the hours while wearing headlamps.
Not in bathroom: The main exception is in the bathroom, where I may not be able to wear a headlamp. I want more light when I'm in the shower, so I won't fall. When I'm in front of the mirror to clean teeth, shave, etc., a headlamp would glare in my eyes. Instead, I hang a Freeplay Sherpa crank light from a carabiner, and bounce light off the ceiling.
Safety: "Each year unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires kills about 500 Americans and poisons at least 15,000" (CDC). A carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher are wise, especially if your backup electricity, light, or heat involve combustion.
Storing light: When it comes to very-long-term storage of lighting capacity, carbide lights come closer to holding their own. My carbide in tightly-closed containers is in the same usable condition as 30 years ago. I once saw a candle, intended for emergency use, that contained a grub, which had chewed in about an inch. Not a likely event, but it helped me to realize that long-term storage can fail for many reasons.
Storing water: It probably is more trying to be without clean, running water than to be without mains electricity. In recent years, I have been lucky enough to have had clean, running water, even when the electricity has been off. In the absence of clean water, I probably would hoard my water supply for drinking and food, and slacken off on personal hygiene. 😀
Speaking of water, the Steripen looks interesting -- another use for a light and batteries.
Storing food: If you have any chance of mice or larger critters, or you get tired of dust, or you want stuff to be out of sight, then metal storage cabinets may be more satisfactory than storage shelves. I am thinking of the kinds that are about 6.5' high x 3' wide x 2' deep (deep and wide for stability). The problem with metal storage cabinets, is that the vertical panels of metal storage cabinets may be made of very thin sheet metal, which can get bent in transit.
Not in bathroom: The main exception is in the bathroom, where I may not be able to wear a headlamp. I want more light when I'm in the shower, so I won't fall. When I'm in front of the mirror to clean teeth, shave, etc., a headlamp would glare in my eyes. Instead, I hang a Freeplay Sherpa crank light from a carabiner, and bounce light off the ceiling.
Safety: "Each year unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires kills about 500 Americans and poisons at least 15,000" (CDC). A carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher are wise, especially if your backup electricity, light, or heat involve combustion.
Storing light: When it comes to very-long-term storage of lighting capacity, carbide lights come closer to holding their own. My carbide in tightly-closed containers is in the same usable condition as 30 years ago. I once saw a candle, intended for emergency use, that contained a grub, which had chewed in about an inch. Not a likely event, but it helped me to realize that long-term storage can fail for many reasons.
Storing water: It probably is more trying to be without clean, running water than to be without mains electricity. In recent years, I have been lucky enough to have had clean, running water, even when the electricity has been off. In the absence of clean water, I probably would hoard my water supply for drinking and food, and slacken off on personal hygiene. 😀
Speaking of water, the Steripen looks interesting -- another use for a light and batteries.
Storing food: If you have any chance of mice or larger critters, or you get tired of dust, or you want stuff to be out of sight, then metal storage cabinets may be more satisfactory than storage shelves. I am thinking of the kinds that are about 6.5' high x 3' wide x 2' deep (deep and wide for stability). The problem with metal storage cabinets, is that the vertical panels of metal storage cabinets may be made of very thin sheet metal, which can get bent in transit.
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As others have mentioned, when there's little to no ambient light, your eyes adjust really quickly to the dark and you'll find yourself looking for the dimmest light/setting you've got. Anyone who's gone camping can attest to that. I look at it this way, dim lights just happen to have long runtimes.
Cydonia
Enlightened
Since headlamps were mentioned a few times I thought I'd throw this out there:
I added a few of these to one of my orders from batteryjunction earlier this year. I didn't expect the Nite Ize "headband mini flashlight holder" to be any good. But it turns out these cheap things are surprisingly effective.
It's strong nylon webbing with velcro. It doesn't smell of toxic rubber and doesn't contain any glue or foams (Very important to me). The elastic holder part is on the outside and works with many light sizes. There are actually two elastic holders in one. I find that a minimag with SMJLED drop in makes a really good headlamp. The light is held tight and doesn't fall out. It is easy to modify this light holder in a lot of ways if needed. And if one wants brighter, just put in another different flashlight, or minimag with a brighter terralux drop in.
I never could find a dedicated headlamp that I liked. But this way any flashlight can become a headlamp. It's such an obvious solution that maybe it has been overlooked...
I added a few of these to one of my orders from batteryjunction earlier this year. I didn't expect the Nite Ize "headband mini flashlight holder" to be any good. But it turns out these cheap things are surprisingly effective.
It's strong nylon webbing with velcro. It doesn't smell of toxic rubber and doesn't contain any glue or foams (Very important to me). The elastic holder part is on the outside and works with many light sizes. There are actually two elastic holders in one. I find that a minimag with SMJLED drop in makes a really good headlamp. The light is held tight and doesn't fall out. It is easy to modify this light holder in a lot of ways if needed. And if one wants brighter, just put in another different flashlight, or minimag with a brighter terralux drop in.
I never could find a dedicated headlamp that I liked. But this way any flashlight can become a headlamp. It's such an obvious solution that maybe it has been overlooked...
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Sub_Umbra
Flashlight Enthusiast
Most here probably know my thoughts on this. I'm a dim light culture guy who also always stocks bright lights for emergency tasks that require them -- some medical and security tasks will always seem to require more light than one has.
I'd like to comment on the formulas that some posters on this thread have used to estimate just how many hours of darkness one must be prepared for each day. Those numbers are generalizations and as such are hopelessly flawed for the purpose of emergency planning. Let me give you just a couple of examples that no one has noted here that will help show that those confident estimates may be very dangerous in any number of emergency situations:
The moral is to plan big and hope small. Try to give yourself all of the options you can -- because you just won't be able to think of everything.
I'd like to comment on the formulas that some posters on this thread have used to estimate just how many hours of darkness one must be prepared for each day. Those numbers are generalizations and as such are hopelessly flawed for the purpose of emergency planning. Let me give you just a couple of examples that no one has noted here that will help show that those confident estimates may be very dangerous in any number of emergency situations:
- As some have correctly noted there are serious 'epic' disasters which may cause a tear or a total breakdown of the social fabric. (Been there, done that, got the smelly T shirt). If the event is serious enough the social order will break down in even the best neighborhood. History confirms this in spades. One may be two or more days into the event before it is even possible to guess how bad things really are. If things are really bad and you are thoughtful enough to black out your windows to help mask your presence the formula guys will probably be very surprised to find that their house is now dark inside 24 hours a day and light will need to be provided for all tasks at all times. Dim lights with long runtimes will always trump superficial need projections. Emergencies may lead to situations that are hard to predict.
- Your health and the climate you live in may make darkness estimates worthless in many situations. There are many parts of The States where if the power goes down there will be many who will be forced to reverse their schedule and only attempt many tasks after dark when it's cooler. Depending on location, even healthy people may have to shift their hours to be productive without AC and all of the other wonderful things that they are used to -- after the power goes out.
The moral is to plan big and hope small. Try to give yourself all of the options you can -- because you just won't be able to think of everything.
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Stress_Test
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2008
- Messages
- 1,334
On the whole "epic disasters and break down of social fabric" issue, I think that's a bit beyond the scope of the OP's topic, but...
If you're talking about a Katrina-style disaster, then I think the bigger issue in a case like that would be what firearms and how much ammo you have rather than what lights and batteries you have.
In my case it would've been a moot point because I wouldn't have been in that city in the first place with the hurricane bearing down, even if I had to sleep in my car in a park somewhere.
I mean, some cases, you just gotta know when to cut your losses and get the h*ll out of dodge.
If you're talking about a Katrina-style disaster, then I think the bigger issue in a case like that would be what firearms and how much ammo you have rather than what lights and batteries you have.
In my case it would've been a moot point because I wouldn't have been in that city in the first place with the hurricane bearing down, even if I had to sleep in my car in a park somewhere.
I mean, some cases, you just gotta know when to cut your losses and get the h*ll out of dodge.
Sgt. LED
Flashaholic
I like that. Good advice, a little funny, and would make a good sig line.
I use only CR123 for EDC, but at home, I have two L2Ds with NiMH batteries. These are my primary blackout lights. I use them tailstanding at FULL BLAST in turbo mode which makes for a very nicely lit environment for about 2 hours for each light. I have yet to encounter a blackout that lasted more than the L2Ds cumulative runtime. This for normal sporadic blackouts that don't have any major news associated with them. If I know the blackout is due to something more serious, like an earthquake or flood, then I would probably be more conservative. And that's what CR123s are for.
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