Lights

Growing up in the midwest, we lost electricity A LOT. My mom always kept candles and an oil lamp on hand to help mitigate the inconvenience. Although I have had a lot of personal experience with the issue, I did not have an alternative lighting plan in place. Flashlights, lanterns, candles, and oil lamps are all possibilities. I recently picked up some Sterno 55 hour emergency candles, an inexpensive glass oil lamp, and lamp oil at the local retailer.

If you live near a Wal-Mart you can probably get the candles, lamp, and oil for less than $25. It's something everyone can afford and everyone can't afford to be without if the lights go out for more than a few minutes.

A power outage has the potential to become more than a simple inconvenience. Depending on the specific conditions where you live, it can also be a security concern. Sometimes a simple light is all you need to provide security for your family.

During a potential looting situation, a simple light may protect your property from damage or worse.