Posts Tagged ‘country’

Ep 056: Flashlights 202

Ep 056_Flashlights 202

Today we’re going to talk a little but about the importance of flashlights.

Notice this episode is entitled Flashlights 202 and not 101…because this is not some basic, generic discussion…I’m giving you specific, relevant information.

But before we do, I need to spend a minute and talk about my experience last night.  So I flew my dad in from Pittsburgh last night.  I heard Obama was flying into town, so I gave myself an extra half hour to get to the airport to anticipate roadblocks, etc.  Can I just SAY how hacked off I am?

First, Las Vegas has an Air Force military airport/base…Nellis…one of our country’s biggest and best.

Why, oh why, couldn’t the president land his plane on the base, instead of shutting down one of our nation’s busiest airports when the Air Force base is just a few miles away and as secure as secure can be?  The reason, of course is stupidity.  Never assign to malice what could otherwise be attributed to stupidity or  incompetence.

So what’s the big deal?  My dad’s plane had to go into a holding pattern while the spender-in-chief landed and all of the before and after time (more than an hour)

My dad’s plane ran out of fuel and had to land in Ontario, CA.  The airport did NOT announce what had happened.  I SPENT AN HOUR frantically looking for an 81 year-old man who the arrival board said had landed.  Finally, I ask at Southwest and they tell me the story.  I’m relieved he’s okay, but furious.

Before this happened I was sitting on the highway at a dead stop with police blockades up for over a half of an hour.  This wouldn’t have happened if he landed at Nellis and flew in to whatever hotel he was going to.

Worse, wasn’t this the same clown who reprimanded companies for having junkets in Las Vegas?  Why’s HE here?  Oh, because he looking for votes…

So, what does this tell me?  Not much.  Politicians and governments do everything the wrong way.  Further, take whatever they say, turn it 180 degrees, and you’ve got the truth.

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You know, the flashlight is the #1 obvious thing to have in every emergency situation.  It’s so obvious that it’s rarely, if ever, covered in detail.  Sure, everyone knows you need a flashlight, but do you have a flashlight plan? or a flashlight management plan?

There are MANY different kinds of flashlights that fall into many different categories.  I wanted to share a few of the most important ones with you, and help you come up with your own flashlight program.

1. Big ones for tactical situations.  Those giant D-cell lights that take 3-4 Ds and are encased in metal or ballistic plastic…they work well for a club and throw a lot of candle power on the situation.
2. The standard under-the-kitchen-sink model.  This is the standard two C-battery model. It’s usually made of plastic and they go everywhere.
3. The miniature ones fall into many different categories and are used in many different applications

• mini standard-same design as traditional flashlight, but compact and can use a single C, several AAA or even a single AA.
• the head lantern–one of, if not my FAVORITE models.  They sit on your head while attached to an adjustable headband.  The allow for hands-free use and maximum dexterity. They are ideal for construction, camping or when the lights go out.  I keep two next to my bed and my wife keeps one on her nightstand as well.  We each use them for reading when the other is sleeping.  I also use them for my nightly security walk around the house before I turn-in.
• micro-mini flashlights can fit on a keychain and can be no bigger than a coin.  They are ideal when stumbling around a car outside in the dark.
• some flashlights plug into the cigarette lighter in your car.
• another “cool” flashlight is the light ‘app’ for your i-phone or android phone.  The LED screen provides a large surface area to emit a large light.

4. The Program

• Every bedroom should have a standard flashlight.  I also recommend headlamps for all adults to be stored in their nightstands.
• Two or more in every car.
• One in a purse, attached on a ring to a can of mace.
• Place several in your camping box/supplies.  One by every door in the house. One on every level of your home.  Several in the garage and/or shed.  One should be in your briefcase or on your person.
• One belongs in a drawer or storage area at work.
• Store batteries in one area in the house.  Store several flashlights here, as well.
• When all else fails, you know you have flashlights and batteries in the Home Base area.
• Use the or lose them:  All batteries decay over time.  Use them and rotate them out regularly.  It is foolish to keep flashlights in drawers and forget about them until an emergency comes up.  Many batteries corrode and damage the flashlight itself.  It’s better to use them up and rotate them regularly.
• Keep a large stash of batteries on-hand and and use them.  Buy in bulk in discout retailers or wholesale stores.
• Don’t forget the dollar store option for frugal preppers.  $20 will buy a lot of flashlights and batteries.
• Buy flashlight packs.  You can buy a 5-10 pack of flashlights for next to nothing.  Buy them.
• When you think you have enough flashlights…wait a year (or two) and buy another family pack. Flashlights are like socks in the dryer…one always goes missing.  I used to think there was a black hole that ate socks and flashlights…there is.  They’re called the unprepared.  We have all given flashlights, tools, food, clothes and money to the less fortunate of the less-prepared.  I call non-preppers “black holes” because they will take a portion of your supplies and materials with them.  Our goal, of course, is to turn these black holes into brightly-shining suns….suffice it to say you NEVER have enough flashlights.  Never.
• Lastly, treat yourself to a really nice, heavy nightwatchman’s ballistic or metal D-cell flashlight.  It’s butt, when swung at an attacker is as good as a club.
• If you have any ideas or feedback, please add it to the show notes.
• Put an address label on your flashlights.  Borrowed ones tend to make their way home more easily, and if an emergency happens, your identity is on that flashlight, identifies you to authorities and provides an evidence trail in a missing person’s case.

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Episode 032: The Thanksgiving Special

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