San Diego Black Out – Solar Lights are Awesome

As I am sitting at my desk in San Diego working away this past Thursday afternoon, September 8th, the first regret I have when the power goes out, believe it or not, is not using the ladies room earlier! And now it's going to be dark in there! Leave it to my husband to save the day as he comes out of his office holding this great new solar powered light. I am going to buy 10 of these - if my computer ever comes back to life. These little gems are awesome! Totally re-charged by the sun; even have an on & off switch. Really the coolest things. Thumbs up to the Nokero people for inventing these amazing little solar power lights.

I realized as the day progressed (without power, Internet, cell service; a black screen on my iPhone – probably the most disturbing thing of all) how important it is to have good sources of emergency lighting. Here are my favorites:

1. The Nokero Solar light: This is an amazing little light.
2. LED lantern - as night time approached we were able to set this in the kitchen and on the dinner table. It provided a great source of light and we were able to move it from room to room and set it on counter tops and tables.
3. Septor LED Headlamp flashlight: Hands free - to do what you need to do. I love this! Every member of the family should have one. Put it on your head and go! You have a constant source of light, adjustable to point directly forward or tilt at an angle. There are also 3 different levels of brightness. The best part is both hands are free to wash the dishes, play cards or find your kids pajama bottoms.

Remember – while candles used to be your go-to lighting source in a blackout – they are really not a good choice.

Candles are the #1 cause of house fires.

And in an emergency situation such as this massive blackout, emergency personnel, police/fire would not be able to respond to many home fires as their services are in higher demand elsewhere. Even if they could respond; the time it would take to get to you would be longer due to the traffic situation. So if you start fire – nobody is coming to put it out.

This makes these other options priceless. Put them on your Christmas list to give to friends and family. I know I am going to be wrapping up these little Nokero solar lights for everyone I know!

Click the links below to find out what else we put on our top 10 list of things we need to do first. Visit our site for more information on how to create your own Family Emergency Plan.

1. Communication is key
2. Always have gas in your tank
3. Solar lights are awesome
4. I need a battery operated phone charger!
5. Have cash on hand
6. If you have no other food storage; have some water!
7. Don't open that refrigerator door"!
8. Have extra food for your pets!
9. Fill up those propane tanks.
10. Don’t put off ‘til tomorrow…