The Brilliant Light Source To Use Instead Of Candles During A Blackout

Power outages can be frustrating, if not a little scary. When they happen at night, the last thing you want to do is fumble blindly around your home wondering where you placed your flashlight. For this reason, it's recommended homeowners prepare for blackouts and have a designated place to store candles and a lighter. However, youy may want to swap out the candles for solar-powered rechargeable lights instead.

While lighting candles can improve the feng shui in a room, they probably shouldn't be your first choice during a blackout. First of all, they're a fire hazard. When lit too closely to drapes and other furniture, fires can easily start, and it might be challenging to find safe places to light candles in the dark. Another factor to consider is that they put off carbon monoxide while burning. Yes, it's a very small amount, but if you are using a significant number of candles to illuminate your home during a blackout, there is still a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In addition to being a fire hazard, candles also don't provide that much light compared to other sources like flashlights or lightbulbs. They also don't last forever, and you'll eventually have to replace them when they're finished. This isn't a major issue if you seldom experience blackouts, but it could become a problem if you were to experience a multi-day power outage.

While outdoor solar lights may already be a necessity for your yard, it's likely time to add them to your power outage emergency kit, too. After all, a good source of light is one of three most essential items for your safety kit. The benefit of Solar lights is that they don't pose the same fire risk as candles, are significantly brighter, and you can just recharge them rather than needing to replace them entirely. To give you an idea of the differences in brightness, your average candle puts off around 12 lumens of light. This four-pack of rechargeable solar lanterns puts off a whopping 300 lumens of light, and each lasts up to 25 hours on a full charge. They also cost $30, which will likely be more economical than continuously buying new candles.

Another great reason to swap out your blackout candles for rechargeable solar lanterns is that they're a little better for the environment. Most candles are made from paraffin wax, a substance that is made of petroleum, not biodegradable, and has a fairly high carbon footprint. Some candles are made from more natural ingredients like soy and beeswax, which are at least biodegradable, but they still have some negative environmental concerns. Plus, at the end of the day, your candles will only last so long before they burn out completely and you need to buy new ones. Rechargeable solar lights typically last three to five years before the batteries need to be replaced.