Emergency Preparedness - Part 1

We are always trying to impress upon others the importance of having an emergency kit. No matter the situation – whether it is storm season (hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires) or other emergencies – it is smart to plan for emergencies that may result in a major power loss. Since weather-related disasters can happen at any time, being prepared ahead of time is a smart first step to getting through the situation.

This means equipping yourself and your home with the supplies you may need. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a good resource for creating emergency kits that you can use at home or take with you, with lists of recommended items to pull together. One item that is on every list of items for preparedness kits is a flashlight.

When the lights go out, you’ll need a flashlight to help light your way. Whether you’re at work, in your car, or at home, there are plenty of uses for one of our flashlights.

Need to illuminate a wide area? Consider any one of our Siege lanterns. The Super Siege is 1,100 lumens, rechargeable, and also has a USB charger to keep your phones, tablets, or USB-charged devices ready to go. The Siege, or the even smaller Siege AA are both lightweight and portable, so you can carry it with you to your family’s planned escape route, to check on your property, or to check on your neighbors.

Want something that will leave your hands free for other tasks? The ProTac HL Headlamp runs on two CR123A lithium batteries, which have a ten-year shelf life. The headlamp will provide a bright light with a wide flood beam to help light your way.

If you need something so that you can see what is ahead of you, as well as what might be in your path at your feet, look at our Dualie® line of lights. Each of the lights in the Dualie series produce a forward-facing spot beam and a downward-facing flood beam, and the beams can be used independently or together. We have different sizes of handheld flashlights, such as the Dualie 2AA or the Dualie 3AA, as well as the Dualie Waypoint, which can be used as a handheld spotlight or hands-free with its integrated kickstand or D-ring. (The Dualie Waypoint will also hang it over a door for another hands-free option.)

With all of these other lights, don’t forget about a regular handheld flashlight as well. Flashlights like the PolyTac or the ProTac 1L-1AA are compact and easily stored within easy reach – whether that’s in a nightstand or a kitchen drawer. They’re also durable and affordable. The ProTac 1L-1AA also provides multi-fuel flexibility, allowing you to use either a CR123 lithium or alkaline battery.

When putting together an emergency kit, consider all the needs for your household and any lighting issues that may arise. You should also be sure to do a periodic check of all the batteries in your kit (in a flashlight or not) to be sure they work. Having a flashlight on hand and ready to go in an emergency should be the least of your worries.