In an OUTLAST scenario renewable resources will be extremely limited, especially batteries. The reality is batteries lose their charge just sitting on the shelf.

One way to reduce the need to have a lot of batteries lying around is to go with a solar application on as many fronts as possible.   An emergency radio with solar and hand crank generators are small and average $20 to $50 (although some are much higher). Simply sitting the radio in the sunlight charges the on-board batteries, as will turning the hand crank. In addition to the radio function, most of these also have lights and some even sirens, all recharged by the solar and hand crank.

Flashlights and lanterns also come in a variety of styles, utilizing solar, hand crank and movement power sources. That means conventional batteries are not required.

Solar and hand crank function the same as the solar/hand crank radios and range from $10 to $25. Look at using a solar flashlight that has an LED, or light emitting diode instead of bulbs. The advantage of an LED is that it is very efficient. It doesn't take much electricity for an LED to make a lot of light.

One source says, "Inside it is pretty simple. The power for the LED comes from a coil of wire and a strong magnet in a tube. When you shake the flashlight, the magnet slides back and forth inside the tube, each time the magnet slides through the coil, the magnet generates a pulse of electricity in the coil.  The flashlight also contains a part called a capacitor. A capacitor is like a battery, but it has one big advantage over a battery. A capacitor charges instantly. With just a few shakes, the capacitor holds enough charge to light the LED. Then an on/off switch lets you connect the capacitor to the LED to light it up."

I also like the "shake light", which is a movement power source. Instead of batteries or the sun, you provide the power; shake it for a minute and you have light. The price range is about the same as the solar/hand crank type.

So far as a family application, my favorite is the solar powered lantern. These come either with on-board solar panels or separate panels that plug into the lantern and build up a charge. The latter is the one I favor. Separate panels mean, if the lantern breaks you still have a panel set up that is usable (good to have a spare).

The separate panels are also larger in most cases than the on-board panels. That makes them more efficient. You simply plug the panel array into the lantern, set the entire system in the light (and in a safe place) during the day and you'll have light during the night time. Since power outages are inevitable, having several emergency lighting sources is really a good idea.

Especially for a morale builder, this is a good system for the kids. Board games, cards, books, magazines - you know the things we used to do before TV and computers. A good OUTLAST Plan incorporates these types of items as well for each member of the family. And you need light to use them. That's why I like solar for this; it's renewable, no cost, fool proof and safe.

For all of these applications, consider those that have hangers built in or ones that can be attached. This can allow for the appliance to be suspended up and out of the way. I recommend each member of the family have one.

What I've focused on here is lighting and communications.  The radios will give you the opportunity to get emergency information which will be essential in any sort of an OUTLAST event.

Lighting is not just a luxury, it is also essential. Controlled, focused and renewal lighting is an absolute necessity during an event. Not only does it enable to you see during hours of darkness ensuring safety for you family, expanding the time line for operationally making improvements in shelters, equipment, etc; it can also be used to signal for help.

On a clear night any light sources can be seen further by rescuers and first responders. Small flashlights utilizing LED technology are considered some of the best. Even during poor visibility conditions they are better and safer than, for example than camp fires. They can be carried in a pocket or a belt mounted pouch and many have different modes - usually one, two or more LEDs lit in each mode.

Several even include color attachable lens that offer illumination without giving away positions for the military or law enforcement personnel. Construction of the light body can vary from plastic, polymers and even air craft grade aluminum. Those even have applications as defensive weapons.

Technology has even gotten to the point where some flashlights carry enough illumination to function as a shock to the visual cortex, temporarily stunned and momentarily incapacitating an opponent.

So, let there be light...

I'll tell you more about Outlasting in next week's Survival Basics.