SELECT THE RIGHT TYPE OF LIGHT FOR THE MISSION.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY DANA BENNER

This is a collection of some typical inexpensive flashlights. The author has a ton of these lights scattered around his home; typically, one in each room. While they’re not the greatest quality and/or don't offer the optimal light output, they do work when he flips the switch.

The topic of lighting, like knives and firearms, is discussed often—and for good reason: It’s very important. Anyone who’s lived through an extended power failure can attest to that. Fumbling around with a generator in the dark is no fun.

Emergency planners are constantly pounding home the idea of having flashlights in our home in case of a power outage or natural emergency. But how many people actually heed that advice? And if they do have them, how many of those flashlights are inexpensive, discount store varieties? Worse yet: How many have working batteries?

Let’s assume you do have a good, working flashlight with good batteries in your home … but do you have one in your vehicle or in your “go bag”? Changing a broken fan belt or a flat tire in the dark is not only hard, it could also be dangerous if you can’t see what you’re doing.

The light sources you have in your home might not be the right choices for your vehicle, at the campsite or in your bag. In a pinch, anything is better than nothing but, as with everything else that has to deal with survival, there’s a right light source for every job.

In this article, I’ll look at some common scenarios you’re likely to run into and the right light source for the job.

POWER OUTAGE 

No matter where you live, Mother Nature is bound to throw you a curve ball at some point. Severe storms and other issues can, and do, knock out power. Part of your survival stores should be multiple light sources and plenty of batteries and/or a way to recharge those lights that use rechargeable batteries.

“THE TOPIC OF LIGHTING, LIKE KNIVES AND FIREARMS, IS DISCUSSED OFTEN—AND FOR GOOD REASON: IT’S VERY IMPORTANT.”

In this scenario, light is much more than the ability to see. It, like fire, also lends itself to restoring calm and comfort. Anyone who has kids knows what I’m talking about.