We were without electricity for six days one January. We had several kerosene lamps which are good to light and leave in place, but what to do when we or the kids needed to go to another room?

Also, when the kids went to bed and they woke up in the night, where is the comfort that light brings? How do you keep from bruising your shins?

We bought a little squeeze flashlight for each of the kids, which usually come on a keychain, and put it around thier necks with a shoe lace. Kids too young might not be safe with this, but those kids aren't usually on their own in the house.

The beauty of these lights is that they are really very bright [kerosene lamps and candles are dim, though they cast a larger circle] and you can even read by them. Not for long periods of time, but the point is you can see really well with them.

Imagine a less mobile older person using the same little light: No more helplessness in the dark until somebody comes and lights the candle.

But the best thing about them is that when the user lets go of it, the light goes out. How many times did we need to replace the batteries in conventional flashlights because the kids left them on all night? Never again.

Also, don't plan on reading much after dark. Some find they can, but test it out with whatever lighting source you plan to use if this is an important part of your plan to stay happy. I recommend buying several decks of cards - consider the large typeface ones - even if you are playing solitaire. Power outages are a great time to rediscover the peopl you live with and the entertainment of conversation.

Squeeze lights: Save your batteries and move flames around less, but have easy comfort at the same time. Problem: I only found one in my little town and have asked merchants to order more. No luck yet.

-- Becky (rmbolte@wvadventures.net), November 21, 1999

Answers

Becky, www.realgoods.com is among many mail-order outlets selling the product you describe. There is a good search engine at the site--"flashlight" should be sufficient. I have ordered from Real Goods for about 10-12 years and have yet to be disappointed.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), November 21, 1999.

I swear by those "snake" lights with the long flexible handles. We lose power fairly frequently in our mountains. You bend them in a "U" and hang them aroung your neck, and you'll have hands-free operation. If you have mobility problems and need something like a walker or a cane, this could make a big difference.

For the kids, who are used to sleeping with a nightlight, I'm looking into one of those litttle solar/battery LED lights.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), November 21, 1999.

Those battery-operated Xmas "window candles" sold at discount and drug stores this time of year make good (albeit dim) night lights. (They look like a single white taper, with a clear lightbulb "flame.") Just be prepared to replace the AA's every day or every other day if you run 'em all night (some of ours last longer on a set of fresh batteries, some less--go figure). Used them every weather-related blackout so far. Give just enough light for everyone to get their bearings upon awaking in the night. Really are more comforting than the pitch black.

Those touch-on/touch-off dome-shaped lights sold for mounting in closets are nice and easy to use for any age. Kept on a bedside table, they are easy to locate by feel, and they don't fall over. Garrity makes one, sold at Home Depot among other places.

Arthritis in the hands might make using some of those squeeze lights uncomfy for certain seniors. We've found that the Eveready squeeze lights that are about the size and shape of a Bic lighter take some finger strength to keep them on.

We also do the little 2-AA flashlights on shoelaces around the neck. Found a good selection of them at Target. Think they were under 2 bucks each.

-- (been there@done.that), November 21, 1999.

I found an LED light at a hardware store that I had thought about purchasing through the Real Goods catlogue.

It's rectangular in shape { about 1" x 3"}, and runs off a 9 volt battery. A low light is always on, and will last for years on the original battery. You can push a button and increase the light to medium, high, or strobe light.

They're kinda pricey, mine cost $16.99, I think Real Goods may have them for $19.99 - could be wrong. I thought I'd tape one down in a kid's room if necessary { so it doesn't get carried around & tracked off - lights out at night time for long spells are horrid for the little guys.} An elderly parent who depends on night lights is also on my list.

Tha battery is included. It's called a PALight - hey I just found a website on the package { no I'm not affiliated!}. Haven't checked it out yet.

www.lightechnology.com

-- flora (***@__._), November 21, 1999.

I bought the dome lights,touch on/touch off,from Home shopping.I got 6 for $17+ S&H.I really like them.You can order by calling 1-800-284- 3100 and ask for customer service.They should be able to look it up for you.I have ordered things from them for years.

-- Maggie (aaa@aaa.com), November 21, 1999.

The little Fisher-Price Camper's lamp is good for little ones. We gave our 2-yr. old grandson one recently for his birthday....he knew immediately how to use it too. It's his personal light for taking to bed or the bathroom at night. The lamp is easy for little ones to hold onto, it gives good light and uses very little battery power. Another idea we're putting to use are glow-in-the-dark stick-on stars. If you have little ones or people not familier with your home's lay-out staying with you these would be great helps. (I've walked into doors in the dark myself enough to know it's definately NOT fun!) I'm putting stars on the bathroom door, hallway wall, bedroom door, ect. Hope these ideas help some.

-- Kathy (meto-meto@gottaloveit.com), December 02, 1999.