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Following several devastating tornadoes that recently ripped through the southern part of the country, our neighborhood — in fact, over 80% of our county — was without electrical power. Of course, many of us were able to purchase generators to take care of the necessities. However, most of us found ourselves fumbling through drawers in the dark in search of a candle and a match or a lighter. After spending the first evening in total darkness, I was determined to find a light for the next night.
I fully realize this may not come as a “bright” idea to some. But, when the idea came to me I discovered that many of my neighbors had not thought of it. Simply put, as soon as a path was cleared along our residential road I drove to the WalMart Store in the neighboring county. I purchased 12 of the garden stake solar pathway lights, similar to those shown above, and rushed home to stake them in the sunniest spot in the yard.
By the time the sun went down the solar lights were fully charged. With the stakes turned inward — the stake fits inside the bottom, creating a modified torchiere — my family placed several of the solar garden lights in a vase and strategically placed others throughout the house. Needless to say, we did not have a bright home that evening, but we did have light without fear of someone tipping a candle over and starting a fire.
The next day I was able to return to WalMart and purchase a few larger solar spotlights, most often used as a focal light in a garden. The solar light provided as much light as a 40 or 60 watt bulb and was lighter than a flashlight and offered a wider span of light. While we have not used the pathway stakes for lighting the yard, we have found a wonderful and inexpensive was to survive a week without electric lights.
The kids have enjoyed the solar pathway lights so much that now they insist on staking their lights every morning and bringing them in when the sun starts to set. They are using them as night lights. Who can complain? For a few dollars the kids are saving on the utility bill, learning about solar lights, and as the youngest said — doing his part to go green.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
When the tornadoes came through Alabama in April 2011, I found that the only WalMart in town was almost bare. No batteries, no flashlights, no candles… What was I going to do? I walked by the Garden Center and found these solar pathway lights. It was like a light bulb went off in my head. Pardon the pun. My son, who was 7 at the time, was so happy. I gave him one to keep with him at all times. It became his security blanket, so to speak, and believe me we all needed to have the feeling of security at that time. We lined the hallway, put a spotlight type in the bathrooms, and carried them like candles. It was the best decision I ever made. I fully recommend having a few of these on hand just to use in case of an emergency.
Ellie,
I’m in TN and that is exactly what happened to me. That’s why I wrote the article. We had another series of severe storms this year and a tornado just north of us that devastated a small town. A fried called to see if I could bring flashlights or batteries. I took the solar lights. They are far less expensive and seem to last forever. I am still using the ones I purchased in 2011. I also have an elderly mother-in-law that becomes frightened when the power goes off, especially at night. I have one light that I put out every day — especially when wind and rain are in the forecast — and bring it at night for her to use as a night light.
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