Here’s How to Make a Lights Out Box

Sent to us by the author.

With so many survival bags that cover a variety of disaster scenarios (bug out bags, get home bags, everyday carry kits), why would we need another one? Well, because different people prepare for different things and many realize that smaller emergencies are also prep-worthy.

In this article, I’d like to tackle the issue of a prolonged power outage, specifically, how it can occur and how you can protect from it by having a lights out box, also known as a lights out kit.  

According to energy.gov quoted by ibtimes.com, the US power grid is so old that it loses power almost 3 times as much as that of other developed nations, costing millions to billions of dollars over the long term. In fact, the grid dates back to Thomas Edison, causing hundreds and even millions of US citizens to live their lives without electricity for hours or even days.

What causes blackouts?

The most common reasons include storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and ice storms but there are other, man-made disasters that can trigger them. One is an EMP or an electromagnetic pulse. Whether it’s man-made or triggered by a solar storm, EMPs will not only cause blackouts but completely fry the grid, along with any electronics (smartphones, laptops, cars, anything electric or partially electric)

The other thing is a cyber-attack.  Though it’s tough to break into a U.S. power company, it’s not that they’re not trying.

Whether we like it or not, sitting in the dark even for a couple of days is bad enough. Add that no Internet and no phone battery and we’re pretty much back in time 100 years. What can we do?

A lights out box (LOB) is the solution.

As the name suggests, a LOB is nothing more than a box specifically designed for power failures. You don’t have to keep it waterproof or in a MOLLE bag, ready to be thrown in the trunk of your bug out vehicle… although it’d be nice if you did.

If you don’t have the budget for something fancy, a plastic box will do. The key thing to remember is to get one that’s big enough to keep all of the things I’m about to recommend.

What you should keep in your LOB?

Let’s not waste time and see out what you should keep inside your kit.

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are amazing, provided you get the mil-spec kind. The ones youngsters wear at parties aren’t nearly as good. Plus, we need good shelf life and the good ones can last up to five years.

They work through a chemical process called “luminescence”, which is different than traditional fire and light devices. Glow sticks will never cause a fire and, best of all, they’re EMP proof. They’re also really lightweight so you can keep them in your survival bags or even inside your everyday carry kit.

Ideally, you should store them in a cool, dry, dark place (just like you do with your survival food), but I realize a high temperature may not be possible if your lights out kit is somewhere on the hallway. In this case, you may want to replace them more often, like once a year.

Tip: to make a glow tick last longer, you can put it in the freezer after you’ve cracked it (though that may not be an option when the lights go out unless you have your own generator). Still, this will freeze the reaction, causing the stick to last longer.

Flashlights

How many? Well, that depends on the number of people living in your household, but I won’t say “no” if you have too many. Some people simply love them so I can’t tell you how many you should have.

Here’s a few suggestions of flashlights:

• As many small flashlights as you think are needed, either AA or AAA. If possible, try to stick to as few battery sizes as possible so you don’t have to stockpile on too many.
• One or two larger 6 volt flashlights. They’re more powerful and some of these are even water resistant. You’re going to need them for outdoor work or to inspect your property at night (yes, looters will take advantage if your neighborhood or town plunges into darkness for a few days).
• Hand-crank flashlights. These work without batteries, by winding the crank or squeezing a handle. Useful if the batteries don’t work or if you run out of.
• Headlamps. These will keep your hands free when working or riding a bike. You never know when a power outage can take a turn for the worse and you might need to bug out.

Lanterns

Lanterns are lights in transparent cases used to light up part or even a whole room. Use them to read a book or play board games with your family. There are plenty of models out there when it comes to how they are charged. Some of them use batteries, others have small solar cells at the top… there’s even the inflatable kind that actually float on water!

Batteries

What better place to keep all your batteries than you lights out box? If you have many battery-powered devices, keeping them in this box will mean you always know how to find them. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting precious looking around the house for spares.

Plus, all the batteries from all your flashlights need to be taken out and kept separately, to avoid leakage or discharge. Put them in zipper bags or simply keep them in the original packaging, and make sure the ends are not touching each-other.

Also, if they have plastic caps, you should keep them on when the batteries are not in use.

Tip: unlike glow sticks, alkaline and lithium batteries should not be frozen.

Rechargeable Batteries + a Solar Charger

Though you might not need them for power outages that will last less than a week, they can come in handy if you’re left without electricity for longer periods of time. The battery charger needs to be solar for obvious reasons, though one that charges from your car also work.

If you can, get one that also charges your phone, your kindle and any other device that will allow you to communicate or that holds precious survival information.

Traditional Lighting Devices

Matches, lighters and candles should definitely be part of your lights out kit. Another thing to have is some steel wool in a separate zipper bag. If you have a 9V battery, you can use it to light a fire in your backyard.

An Emergency Radio

You can find plenty of them on Amazon. Some are even charger and have built-in flashlights of their own! Since many blackouts occur due to bad weather, it’s always good to have an emergency radio to hear the news of what’s happening, especially one that’s hand crank.

Anything else?

Since you’ll be playing with fire, it’s always good to have a fire extinguisher nearby. With no electricity, your lights out box will be the center of attention and your kids might use the items inside improperly. Better safe than sorry.

You may also be interested in having a battery-powered fan, particularly if you live in a hot climate.

Where should you keep everything?

Ideally, you should keep the box in a place that’s easily accessible, such as the hallway. When the lights suddenly go out, you’ll want to quickly get to it. Some people have no problem walking around their homes in complete darkness, then know the inside that well.

Another thing you can do is have a few glow sticks in each room of the house, including your safe room, your basement and even your tool shed. These will light your way for a little while until you ca get to your lights out kit.