The Survival Tool Everyone Should Have

You know all about storing food and water. You've got your first aid kit ready. But I'm willing to bet there's one tool you haven't thought about. Your flashlight.

"But wait!, you say. "I have a flashlight. In fact I have more than one." 

And if you're like most people, you probably do indeed have several flashlights stashed around your house. But those old flashlights you bought at Walmart or Dollar General aren't going to cut it in an actual survival situation. They aren't going to last long. They can be big and bulky. They usually aren't very bright. You need a flashlight actually designed for emergency situations.

A survival flashlight has special features designed for emergencies. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of options. So it's hard to know which one is best. I give the same advice here as I do when people ask me which fitness program or diet is best. The "best" is the one you will actually carry and use. I'm a senior citizen. I have arthritis in my hands. Fortunately, I don't live on a fixed income, but many folks my age do. So I look for flashlights that are easy to carry and use. I I look for a wide variety of price points. 

If you aren't sure which one is right for you, here are my recommendations:

1. Fenix PD35 - This is, in my opinion, the best emergency flashlight. It weighs just 3 ounces, which makes it perfect for anyone to carry everywhere. It also boasts of an output of 1000 lumens. For those of you who don't yet know what that means, let's just say it's BRIGHT. Bright enough to handle whatever situation you might find yourself in. I love the fact that it's very easy to use - even in the dark, half-asleep, in a high-stress situation!

2. Freedom Micro - I know. You are going to think I'm crazy when you see this little bitty light. But at this size and price, you can buy them by the handful. Which is exactly what I love about them. Stash one anywhere you think you might need emergency light. On your nightstand. In the bathroom. In the kitchen. In your car. In your purse. On your keychain. On the zipper pulls of the jackets you wear frequently. Give them to your kids and grandkids. 

3. SureFire E2D Defender - This one is neither small or cheap. But it is carried by everyone I know in the military. And yes, I may be retired. But I still have connections! It's bright. It's durable. And yet it's slim and lightweight. If you are ready to invest in military-grade quality, this is the light for you.

4. Streamlight 90540 Survivor LED Right Angle Flashlight, Orange - 175 Lumens - Not quite what you might expect from a flashlight. I love the fact that the right angle configuration allows you to hang it up so you can work and have hands-free light. And since it was designed for use by firefighters, you know it has to be tough.

5. Streamlight 88062 ProTac 2L-X 500 lm Professional Tactical Flashlight, Black - 500 Lumens - Not quite as bright as some of the others. But still a great compact, powerful light. It's compact and easy to carry. 

6. GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000 [2 Pack] - High Lumen, Zoomable, 5 Modes, Water Resistant Light - Camping Accessories, Outdoor Gear, Emergency Flashlights - This is actually the flashlight I have in my home and my car. It's super bright and I love the fact that I can zoom in and focus on objects at a distance. 

I'm sure you will find one or more of these flashlights quite suitable for your needs. 

Do you have one that you would recommend that didn't make my list? Feel free to share in the comments. 

And as always, if you purchase any of these through my links, I may receive a commission. Thanks for helping me keep the lights on!

How to Prepare for Survival

If you have been watching the news this week, it's been a little bit scary. Armed protesters overran the Capitol building. And now we are hearing reports that the unrest and violence could very easily continue. We are even hearing rumors of calls for another Civil War!

Now I am not going to get into a political discussion here. Because the fact is it doesn't matter which side is right or wrong. The fact is that once the violence gets out of hand, ordinary people, like you and me, could find ourselves in a survival situation pretty quickly.

We've already seen what happens when people are frightened and uncertain. People were being attacked and even killed over MASKS! And remember the great toilet paper shortage of 2020? People who weren't prepared suddenly found themselves facing an unknown and unexpected situation and they panicked. And did something that made them feel more in control of their situation. They hoarded and stockpiled toilet paper. You and I know what a colossal waste of time and money that was. But they felt the need to do something to bring some order to their world and this is what they chose. 

And it only got worse. Because now others going to shop saw there was very little or no toilet paper on the shelves. They did the only thing that made sense when faced with that fact. They also hoarded and stockpiled when they could. Stores began putting limits on the amount you could purchase at one time. And still, shelves were empty for quite a while.

But those of us who knew this day would come in some form or fashion weren't concerned. We had toilet paper! And lots of other supplies as well. Because we were prepared.

In these uncertain times, being prepared just makes sense.

Here's what you need:

1. Food - shelf stable. Easy to prepare. Include options that do not require heating or cooking. Have enough for 3 meals per day plus snacks for 3 weeks per person.

2. Water - I recently wrote a post on storing water. The post says to have enough for 2 weeks. I now recommend 3 based on recent events. You can check out all the info on storing water here. 

3. Medications - if you or any family member requires medication to survive, make sure you have at least 3 weeks supply on hand if possible.

4. A first aid kit - and please take some first aid training so you know how to use it. Call your local Red Cross. If they aren't doing in-person classes due to Covid, at least take the online training.

5. Batteries, matches, and flashlights.

6. A battery-operated radio.

7. Depending on where you live, you might need to consider the weather. Sleeping bags, thermal blankets, and even something as simple as Hot Hands warmers can be critical if the temperature drops. 

8. Important paperwork. Birth certificates, driver's licenses, passports, insurance information, bank information. You don't want to be searching for these if you suddenly have to evacuate.

9. Cash. Again, you don't want to have to evacuate and hope you can find an ATM functioning along the way. 

10. Basic hygiene supplies. Yes, toilet paper! Paper towels. Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Soap or body wash. Cleaning supplies. Cleanliness will do much to prevent illness. 

11. Any special needs. Diabetic test kits and strips, CPAP supplies. Anything you or your family member requires on a regular basis to maintain your health. 

12. Pet supplies if you have pets. They will need food and water as well.

13. (optional) If you are prepared to use whatever means necessary to protect yourself and your family, firearms and ammunition. But only if you know how to use them and are prepared to do so. 

Get your entire family involved in preparing for emergencies. Everyone should know where the emergency supplies are and what to do if something happens. The better prepared everyone in your family is, the better your odds of surviving in an actual survival situation.