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If the opening comments seem harsh and radical, then you must still have your head in this sand. Behind the scenes the authorities are struggling with the idea of how to protect our electric power grid. They recognize as does our enemy, the fragility of the grid. If we fail to round them up and take them out of the action, a mere dozen or so, can actually accomplish the unimaginable. If planned and executed with some degree of precision, they stand a good chance to within minutes bring down the entire power grid that supplies this nation with electricity. The ultimate domino effect would take place. That's a very radical comment to make. But I ask you, what would happen if 12 bombs were strategically attached to high-tension power line towers around the country. They were then simultaneously set off. What do you think would be the effect on our power grid? Consider for a moment there are thousands of these towers, far off the beaten path in the desert, the mountains, the plains, and hillsides around this country. There is literally no chance of successfully stopping the dozen or so fanatics. Our only chance, is to around them up, take them out of the game, lock them up. Before they can strike.

Now, you might have the kind of fear that I harbor. Perhaps now, we can take a serious look at how you can supply yourself with light and some electricity, if the worst-case scenario occurs.

We're going to cover seven different types of alternative lighting:

• Generators
• Solar powered lanterns, flashlights, and electrical systems
• Gas lanterns
• Kerosene lanterns
• Oil lanterns
• Candles
• Battery operated lanterns and flashlights

GENERATORS

Were starting with generators because they of the first thing people think about on the onset of a power outage. In reality though, they ought to be one of the last things you consider. The problem with generators is, that they use up precious gasoline or diesel fuel. Considering the crisis we're talking about, you can be sure gasoline will not be available, because gasoline pumps need electricity to power them. No doubt, surely some sort of government intervention prohibiting indiscriminate sale of gasoline and diesel fuel would be enacted. You just won't have enough fuel on hand to last very long.

Generators are quite important for small number of functions such as:

• The power the pumps in water well
• To charge miscellaneous batteries, which you will desperately, need
• Run special radios such as short wave, in order to hear the latest news
• To run an AM radio or television in order to keep abreast of current conditions

If considering purchasing a new generator, big is not necessarily better. The items we have mentioned in the punch list, are all low current demand items. You do not need a large gas-guzzling generator. You can buy a 1500-1850-watt generator for about $400. A $700 Honda generator with only 650 watts, uses less fuel than a larger generator and is much quieter than the larger generator. It may be your best option. We will not discuss generators, which are capable of powering a whole house, because of fuel availability problems.

It is important to check the fuel consumption for the generator you choose to buy, before buying, it in order to make sure you can have sufficient rule on hand. For instance, a 650 KW gas generator will run 8 hours on a gallon of gasoline. That is extremely economical usage. Typically you'll need six times the fuel to run a 6000-watt generator, and you won't be using it's capacity. There are conversion kits available which can convert a gas generator to propane for a about $300. There are two types of lubrication systems, the full pressure type and the splash type. Full pressure supplies much more lubricating oil to the engine components than the splash technique. Consequently the engine has a significantly longer life expectancy. Since we're giving tips and tricks. Try to buy a brushless unit.

Because of fuel availability issues, diesel powered generators are inappropriate to use in residential setting. Plus, diesel generators seldom are available in small units and they are significantly more expensive and much heavier, than gas. However, they tend to be a much better product. Because of the their costliness, we shall not spend additional time discussing diesel generators.

Gasoline degrades in quality overtime. Typically, gasoline over 12 months old is considered to be spoiled. Your generator and it's fuel may sit idle during this war for well over a year before the time comes that you desperately need it. Therefore, it is prudent to add a fuel additive, which slows the rate of deterioration. Are you one of those people who read the How To instructions at the last minute? In this case, it is not a good idea to wait until the lights go out, to figure out how to start the generator. As soon as you own it, read the manual and learn how to start it. Also, every month or so start and run it for five-minutes or so. It is also a good idea to keep an extra set of spark plugs and fuel filters and other accessories on hand.

SOLAR POWERED LANTERNS AND FLASHLIGHTS

Recently solar powered lanterns, flashlights, and radios have become readily available. A solar powered lantern can be purchased $100 or so. This type of unit will provide light for eight hours on the full charge. The full charge will require eight hours of charging in full sunlight. Cloudy days require more charge time. If there is a lot of debris in the atmosphere blocking out direct sunlight, solar powered units may become a problem. But then, the situation would be very grave anyway. The good news is, once you purchase the unit there are no batteries to buy and lighting becomes free. There are a number of solar related to unit's as mentioned which you may choose to acquire. We have located credible sources for such items and they listed in the recommended vendor section. For example the author has acquired an exceptional quality portable AM radio, capable of bringing in faint and distant AM stations. As an accessory I purchased a solar charging panel. I now have the finest quality AM receiver with the ability to run it anytime I want, without concern over electricity or batteries. More information about this radio can be read in the communications section..

GAS (gasoline) LANTERNS

Gasoline lanterns have been a favorite of campers and fishermen for years. You pump them up to create pressure and they can generate light equivalent to a 200-watt bulb. They also have a beneficial side effect. They give off a fair amount of heat, enough to take the chill off the small room, during the cold months. Note, the gasoline fuel is a specially prepared for this use.

In recent years, new and unique models have come on the market. They include propane gas and butane as well as kerosene. Some of the latest models are rated as duel fuel lanterns. This is the author's favorite. Propane and Butane may be wonderful for campers, but I suspect because they are inappropriate for use in a long period of time with no electric. You need a more efficient and plentiful fuel.

Let's look at the fuel consumption of a duel mantle lantern:

• For a day you need 1/4 of quart four hours
• For a week you need 3 quarts for four hours per day
• For a month you need 3 gallons for four hours per day
• For a year you need 36 gallons for four hours per day

KEROSENE VS. OIL LANTERNS

Kerosene lamps and lanterns have been used for centuries. They are simple devices with wicks, globes, and a reservoir. Although kerosene accomplishes the job, recently a switch from kerosene to oil lanterns took place. Lamp oil can come in scents or odorless. Oil and kerosene lamps are quite efficient and still worth considering. The author owns a number of old kerosene lamps in which he plans to burn the purest of the oils. The oil has no scent, has no order, and most importantly has no smoke. This kind of oil is readily available in all your home centers. Be careful to read the label as most of the oils lack the purity, and will smoke and have an odor. Aladdin makes an oil lamp that is very bright and efficient. So, if brightness is very important buy an Aladdin if not by any model available.

Kerosene/oil produce equivalent to 40 to 60 watts of light. Gas lanterns produce an equivalent of 200 watts. However, the kerosene/oil lantern burns only 1/4 the amount of fuel than a gas lantern burns. Typically, the kerosene lantern will burn one ounce of fuel per hour. At the four hours per day, you will burn one gallon per month. Considering the ratios of gas lanterns you would need three to four gallons per month per lantern.

As always be safe, store your fuel in a proper location well ventilated and away from fire. Always keep fire distinguishes nearby and install the battery operated smoke/fire alarm in the area you store your fuel. As with gasoline, you can add an additive to extend the life of the kerosene.

CANDLES

Candles have been used over the ages and still have a place in our current situation. It is important to recognize that decorative wax candles should be thrown away and not used. They are just too inefficient and are dangerous. There are now emergency candles on the market, no bigger than a chicken potpie. They burn for remarkable 120 hours. Your best option is candles designed for emergencies, such as hurricanes. There are two types of emergency candles. Most people recommend the type of hardened wax in a can. The Company Nuwick sells one for $13, which lasts 120 hours. You can very the brightness anything, and even use it to heat water. They can boil water in about 15 minutes or fry and egg in five. Nice thing to know, right?

BATTERY OPERATED LANTERNS AND FLASHLIGHTS

Let's face it, conventional battery operated lanterns and flashlights are wonderful for everyday use and during short power outages. However, that is where their usefulness ceases. In the type of crisis we are discussing the batteries will run out in a matter of days. So, for all practical purposes put your conventional battery operated flashlights away. Unless of course you have rechargeable batteries, and a means to recharge them. That will change the whole picture.

Speaking of charging, although we don't have a heading on this particular topic, there are portable unit's available that are powerful backup batteries. There is a term called "battery pack" which is usually associated with jump-starting automobile engines. Some of the units come with an inverter, able to run AC units such as lights, radio etc.. Since this unit comes with an inverter, you can plug in a battery charger for your flashlight and lantern batteries, or whatever. Be advised, these units need to be charged also and require electricity or generator to do so. However, providing you have a small generator and one of these units, it could become invaluable tool in your survival toolkit.

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Last edited on ... March 15, 2007
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