When natural disasters strike, having a reliable source of light for our families becomes a priority. While battery-powered flashlights and lanterns offer a safe option, what if you find yourself in a prolonged power outage situation? Developing the skill to make homemade emergency light sources, such as homemade candles and oil lamps, becomes invaluable. This knowledge is crucial for anyone facing the challenges of a grid down scenario caused by various natural disasters.
Candles are one of the most obvious sources of alternative light in power outages. A great time to go candle shopping is right after Christmas, when all sorts of holiday decorations are on clearance. You can pick up a bunch of candles for pennies on the dollar. In a survival situation, it really doesn’t matter if it is the middle of July and you’re breaking out the Santa candles, or April and enjoying Halloween colored ones. However, candles are very simple to craft.
Using Leftover Candles or Crayons
All those bits and bobs of old candles and crayons can be repurposed into an inexpensive (and potentially colorful) candle. Use an Altoids tin or another similar size metal container. Wicks can be purchased at any craft store or use simple cotton string.
Melt the wax in a clean soup can placed into a few inches of boiling water. Once melted, carefully pour the wax into the Altoids tin. As the wax begins to set, insert the wick. I usually do two or three wicks, placed evenly apart. This gives me the option of more or less light based on how many wicks I have burning.
Obviously, once lit, candles are an open flame and need to be treated with caution. Always be aware of what is near the candle and where it is positioned, lest you accidentally bump into it.
Warning! Use extreme caution with open flames. Make sure you have extra fire extinguishers or large boxes of baking soda on hand when using your homemade candles or lanterns.
Continue reading, “Homemade Emergency Light Sources” from The Survival Mom here.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
