Do It Yourself Lights Out Kit

 

What is a Lights Out Kit?

Simply put, a Lights Out Kit is a small container consisting of items that will help aid you in the event of a power outage. This would include candles, oil / solar lamps, matches, lighters, flashlights, and anything else that would provide relief in a no power situation.

Why Should I Build a Lights Out Kit?

There a many situations where power outages can occur (weather related, tree limbs falling, car accidents, construction mistakes, etc.) and 90% of the time they are out of our control. Power outages can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks in some severe cases, but what you can control is how you handle these situations. You might have your Bug Out Bag all prepped for you when you have to ditch out, but do you have a Lights Out Kit?

How to Build a Lights Out Kit

A Lights Out Kits doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Chances are you probably already have most these items lying around the house. How accessible these items are to you in a power outage situation might need to be re-evaluated. We suggest the following items for a basic Lights Out Kit:

• Flashlights (w/ spare batteries)
• Candles & Crayons (a crayon will last about 30 min)
• Glow Sticks (inexpensive and entertaining for the kids)
• Headlamps (w/ spare batteries)
• Oil / Solar Lamps
• Fire Starter (w/ fire starting material)

Here is a suggested kit for under $20:

• Storage Tub w/Lid – $2.99 (Target)
• (2) 3.5″ LED Flashlights – $2.99 (Harbor Freight)
• Headlamp – $4.97 (CostCo)
• AAA Batteries – $4.99 (Harbor Freight)
• Light Sticks – $1.97 (Home Depot)
• (4) Tea Lights – $1.00 (Target)

Where to Put Light Out Kits

We recommend building 4 Lights Out Kits and placing them in strategic locations around you house. Here are two suggestions:

• Place a Lights Out Kit on every level of your house
• Place a Lights Out Kit in each major bedroom of your house

If you’re looking for a fun project to do with the family that will add to your preps, build a Lights Out Kit!