Emergency Heating, Cooking, and Lighting

Charcoal
Least expensive BTU but must cook outdoors because of the poisonous gas, carbon monoxide it produces; It will store for long periods in airtight containers (not the bags it comes in), $50 or $60 will provide enough fuel for the average family to cook for a year if used sparingly; You will also want to store a small amount of kerosene or charcoal lighter fluid. Newspapers provide an excellent ignition source when used in a funnel type of lighting device. Cut both ends off a #10 can, punch holes every two inches around the lower edge of the can with can opener. Set the can down so punched holes are on the bottom, place 2 or 3 sheets of crumpled newspaper in the bottom of the can and cover with charcoal. Lift can slightly and light newspaper on fire. Prop a small rock under the bottom edge of the can to create a good draft. Briquettes will be ready to use in 20 to 30 minutes. Each briquette creates 40 degrees so if you want 400 degrees use 40 briquettes. You can focus the heat by making a cardboard oven by covering an entire cardboard box inside and out with aluminum foil. Place the box on its side and place bricks inside to set a cookie sheet on top of the bricks to serve as a rack or support for your cooking vessels. Place a foil covered lid to cover the open side but leave a crack to get in, charcoal needs oxygen to burn and bake.

Wood and Coal

Many wood and coal burning stoves are made with cooking surfaces. Good for indoor cooking in winter but unbearably hot in the summer. Use great caution when building fires out of doors.

Kerosene
Many kerosene heaters will also double as a cooking unit. In fact it is probably a good idea to not purchase a kerosene heater that cannot be used to cook on as well. Follow the same precautions for cooking over kerosene as was discussed under the section on heating your home with kerosene.

Propane
Many families have propane camp stoves. These are the most conveniant and easy to use emergency cooking appliances available. They may be used indoors or out. As with other emergency fuel sources, cook with a preassure cooker whenever possible to conserve fuel.

Lighting

During an emergency you may be without electric lighting. Since most of us have never had to rely upon any other form of lighting, we may not be aware of other options available. Most of the alternatives rrequire a fire or flame, so use caution. More home fires are caused by improper usage of fires for light than for any other purpose. Especially use extra caution with children and flame. teach them the proper safety procedures to follow under emergency conditions. And allow them to practice these skills under proper adult supervision now, rather than waiting until an emergency strikes.

Cyalume Sticks
Only form of light that is safe after an earthquake. One fo the great dangers after a serious quake is caused by ruptured natural gas lines. If you flip a light switch or even turn on a flash light you run the risk of causing an explosion. Cyalume will not ignite natural gas and so safe a baby could use them for a teether. Plastic stick, 4" in length, to activate, bend until the glass tube inside breaks then shake to mix the chemicals. Will have enough light for up to 8 hours.

Flashlights
Never turn on inside after an earthquake, go outside first, turn on, then enter building as not to cause explosion of natural gas. Three problems with flash lights, they give light to small areas, battteries run down quickly, batteries don't store well. Alkaline store best in a cool location and airtight container for 3 to 5 years. Lithium batteries will store up to 10 years. Use krypton or halogen bulbs as they give off more light and last much longer than regular flash lights. Store 2 or 3 extra bulbs.

Candles
Every family should have a large supply, 365, one per day is not too many. 50-hour candles are available in solid and liquid form, white or light colored candles last twice as long as dark candles.
Tallow candles burn brighter, longer and fairly smoke free in comparison with wax candles. Candles are a good source of light and the least expensive of all methods of providing light. However, they are extremely dangerous, especially around children so be sure to several candle lanterns or broad-based candle holders. Be sure to store a good supply of wooden matches.

Kerosene Lamps
Excellent source of light and will burn for 45 hours on a quart of fuel. They burn bright and are inexpensive to operate. The main problem with using kerosene lamps is failure to properly trim the wicks and using the wrong size chimey. Wicks should be trimmed in an arch, a V or an A or straight across the top. Aladdin type lamps use a circular wick and mantle do not need trimming and produce much more light and heat than conventional kerosene lamps. They produce so much heat (up to 750 degrees) they cannot be placed within 36 inches of any combustible object such as wooden cabinets, walls, etc. charring can occur. Great caution should therefore be exercised to prevent accidental fires. If the chimney is too short it can cause smoke and poor light. At about 4500 feet above sea level, the chimney should be about 18 to 20 inches high, use tin foil to extend the chimney. Be sure to store extra wicks, chimneys, and mantles.

Propane and Coleman Lanterns
Make excellent sources of light, use caution in filling and lighting coleman lanterns as the fuel is highly volatile and can easily set of flash type fires; Always fill them outisde. Propane is much safer, it is not as explosive and does not burn quite as hot. Store plenty of extra mantles and matches (1000 to 2000).

Above all study the instructions for any device used for cooking, heating or lighting and understand their features and limitations.

Dont' go to sleep with any unvented buring device or your family may not wake up.

Whatever you store, store it safely and legally. Next to food, water, and shelter, energy is the most important item you can store.