10 Lighting Hacks: Shine a Light on Survival

flashlight at night looking at the stars along the river

In a world where the unexpected can happen at any time, being prepared is key. Lighting is a fundamental aspect of preparedness, as it ensures you can see, work, and navigate in any situation, especially in our Canadian winter season, when our daylight is shortened. This article delves into lighting hacks, offering creative solutions to illuminate your path to survival.

1. Homemade Oil Lamps

Oil lamps are a reliable and cost-effective lighting solution. You can make your own by using a glass container, such as a mason jar, filling it with vegetable oil, and placing a cotton wick inside. Trim the wick to the desired length, and light it. This DIY oil lamp provides a steady, long-lasting flame that can light up a room.

  • Glass container (e.g., mason jar)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Cotton wick
  • Scissors

2. Solar-Powered Lights

Harness the power of the sun with DIY solar lights. Purchase solar garden lights, and repurpose the solar panels and LEDs. You can create custom solar-powered lighting solutions for emergencies, such as portable lanterns and path lights.

  • Solar garden lights

3. Altoids Tin Candles

Altoids tins can be transformed into compact and efficient candles. Melt wax and pour it into the tin, adding a wick to create a small, portable candle that can burn for hours. These tin candles are easy to store and ideal for lighting small spaces during power outages or on the go.

  • Altoids tin
  • Wax (e.g., old candles or wax melts)
  • Wick
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe container

3 wick survival candle

Or consider our 36 hour candle.

4. Battery-Powered LED Hacks

Enhance your battery-powered LED lights with DIY modifications. You can amplify their brightness and distribution by attaching them to reflective surfaces, like aluminum foil or small mirrors. This hack ensures more efficient use of your battery-powered lighting during an emergency.

  • Battery-powered LED lights
  • Aluminum foil or small mirrors
  • Adhesive or tape

5. Glow Stick Cluster Lamps

Glow sticks are a fun and versatile DIY lighting option. Cluster several glow sticks together using tape or string, and hang them from a central point. This creates a unique and effective overhead lighting source. In a pinch, you can attach them to the brim of a hat for hands-free illumination.

Safe, reliable light illumination lightstick

6. Vegetable Can Lanterns

Repurpose empty vegetable cans into lanterns. Use a hammer and nail to create decorative patterns or designs on the can’s surface. Place a candle or battery-operated LED light inside for a charming and functional lantern that can light your way in the dark.

  • Empty vegetable cans
  • Hammer and nail for decoration
  • Candle or battery-operated LED light

7. Crayon Candles

In an emergency, crayons can become makeshift candles. Remove the paper wrapper and light the crayon as you would a candle. One crayon can burn for up to 30 minutes, providing you with essential illumination in a pinch.

  • Crayons (remove paper wrapper)
  • Lighter or matches

crayon box

8. Reflective Tarp Tents

Reflective emergency blankets or tarps can be used to create makeshift tents or shelters. By directing a light source, such as a flashlight or candle, onto the reflective surface, you can amplify and disperse the light throughout your shelter, creating a well-lit environment.

  • Reflective emergency blanket or tarp
  • Light source (flashlight, candle, or lantern)

9. Rechargeable Solar-Powered Mason Jar Lights

Combine the simplicity of mason jars with the convenience of solar-powered lighting. Attach a solar-powered lid to a mason jar and let it charge during the day. At night, you have a portable, eco-friendly, and reusable light source.

  • Mason jar with lid
  • Solar-powered lid
  • Sunlight for charging

10. Classic Campfire

Of course, building a fire offers a natural heat and light source. It has been a reliable source of light for centuries, offering practicality and comfort in various settings.

Conclusion

Lighting hacks fare not only practical but also fun to create. By incorporating these inventive solutions into your emergency preparedness plan, you’ll be better equipped to shine a light on survival during power outages, camping trips, or other unexpected situations. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can illuminate your path to safety and self-reliance.

 

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