# Help with X-mas gifts for someone afraid of losing electricity? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 9, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451 "2008-12-09T20:48:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/1 "2008-12-09T20:48:15Z")
The electricity at home has gone out twice in 2008 for longer than 6 hours. One was multiple days. Another was about 12 hours. My husband now is completely paranoid about the power going out. I can’t afford to buy a generator, but I would like things that would make him feel a little better prepared if the power does go out. I saw a dynamo lantern that I thought might make him happy. Anyone have other ideas? ---
**Author:** ![XJETGIRLX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9fc29f/32.png) [@XJETGIRLX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XJETGIRLX)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/2 "2008-12-09T20:52:16Z")
You can pick up propane camping stoves for a reasonable price. It sounds like a Hurricane kit would have the supplies you’d need. You can find a checklist [online here.](http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml) ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/3 "2008-12-09T20:53:40Z")
I have an AM/FM radio with solar panels and a hand crank to power it. ---
**Author:** ![redtail23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3e96dc/32.png) [@redtail23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/redtail23)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/4 "2008-12-09T20:55:09Z")
We have several radio/lights similar to these (gifts from paranoid mom): > **[Emergency Band Radios | Long-Range AM FM Radios | C. Crane](https://ccrane.com/emergency-radios-1/)** > > Designed with excellent audio quality and reception, our emergency band radios and hand-crank radios allow you to stay informed. Shop C. Crane now. [http://store.sundancesolar.com/frplamsora.html](http://store.sundancesolar.com/frplamsora.html) Flashlight plus radio, what’s not to love? We actually use them when we’re yard-working, also. And they did come in handy for the big ice storm last year, when power was out for a couple days. Maybe a propane campstove? If you don’t have a gas range, one of these could be handy. [http://www.cabelas.com/ssubcat-1/cat20110.shtml](http://www.cabelas.com/ssubcat-1/cat20110.shtml) I could make you a good deal on MREs and emergency food supplies (also courtesy of paranoid mom). 😉 ETA: damn, too slow again ---
**Author:** ![myskepticsight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@myskepticsight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/myskepticsight)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/5 "2008-12-09T21:01:37Z")
To start, how about a few of those flashlights that either crank or shake to work? Those are cheap, aren’t they? Nice to have in the car trunk too. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/6 "2008-12-09T21:02:17Z")
[This](http://www.lehmans.com/)is the place for non-electric appliances and suchlike. ---
**Author:** ![Jayn\_Newell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jayn\_Newell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayn_Newell)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/7 "2008-12-09T21:13:49Z")
> [@myskepticsight](#): > > To start, how about a few of those flashlights that either crank or shake to work? Those are cheap, aren’t they? Nice to have in the car trunk too. I’d go for the shake ones. I’ve never used them, but I have a crank one and it’s really not much use–it quickly got to the point where I just couldn’t get a decent amount of light out of it for more than about ten seconds. It’s the thing you use while you try and find a real flashlight. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/8 "2008-12-09T21:26:15Z")
I did find a [small generator](http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100637527&categoryID=524798). I have little grasp of electricity, so I have no idea if a 4000 watt generator would do diddly. Thanks for all the great ideas so far! ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2008, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/9 "2008-12-09T21:33:05Z")
> [@Jayn\_Newell](#): > > I’d go for the shake ones. I’ve never used them, but I have a crank one and it’s really not much use–it quickly got to the point where I just couldn’t get a decent amount of light out of it for more than about ten seconds. It’s the thing you use while you try and find a real flashlight. I’ve found the shake ones to be super dim and not to hold a charge. Probably some are better than others. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/10 "2008-12-10T00:44:24Z")
We have re-chargeable flashlights that plug directly into the socket on every level ( or they are suppose to be) and when we lose power ( a couple times a year) it is a comfort to know they are suppose to be in those stupid plugs. One of those head flashlights ( Which range from $50 and up) are loads of fun when you are reading a book on the couch and the power is out. You can find cheaper and just as good headlight thingies at Kmart/Walmart/ and the like in the camping section for under $20. ( we all have them.) Just a portable radio with batteries can last a long time. My mom has used a transistor radio that predates GOD ok, that’s a stretch but this radio is easily 50 years old and is trotted out importantly every time the power goes. But, Men do like their gadgets, so get him a gadget. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/11 "2008-12-10T00:50:56Z")
[Found this](http://www.survival-warehouse.com/food/index.htm?gclid=CJ_Tj6XqtJcCFRLoxgodXSz1jQ) via google. Get him a box of MRE’s! ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/12 "2008-12-10T01:03:46Z")
I spend a lot of time with people who do not have electricity in their homes (in Africa), so I know a few things about not having electricity. What are his biggest concerns? Solar flashlights are very useful. I think they are much more convenient than the cranked or pumped ones- you don’t need to interrupt what you are doing when you are using it. I use mine all the time even when the electricity works. Headlamps are also pretty hip with the no-lights set. For general lighting, candles or kerosene lamps are still the best long term solution. The hand-cranked radios are universally pretty crappy as radios. They aren’t tools, they are toys. In my opinion the money is best spent on a decent portable shortwave radio, a lightweight antennae, a box of batteries, and a copy of the indispensable"Passport to World Band Radio." Finding obscure broadcasts from all over the world was one of my favorite pass times when the lights were out- it’s almost as fun as the internet. From the biggies like the BBC and RFI to faint whisps caught from North Korea and Somalia, it was all completely fascinating. Anyway, the cranked radios won’t be able to pick up the quieter and more interesting signals. And you’ll never find them without the book. The “Passport to World Band Radio” has very good radio reviews and is the authoritative guide. Buy it first, and then buy their recommended budget portable radio. I promise he’ll love it. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/13 "2008-12-10T01:13:00Z")
[Lehman’s](http://www.lehmans.com) has all manner of non-electric goods. They have a whole section on their web site devoted to emergency supplies. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/14 "2008-12-10T01:32:11Z")
> [@myskepticsight](#): > > To start, how about a few of those flashlights that either crank or shake to work? Those are cheap, aren’t they? Nice to have in the car trunk too. Both types are crap. Instead, get him a bunch of LED flashlights. I’ve found all sorts available online, and they are very inexpensive. Mine take 3 AAA batteries each for a 9 LED array, and really kick out the lumens. One of [these](http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Inverter-Flashlight-SS50B/dp/B001FSK128/ref=dp_ob_title_hi) is also cool. We have one stashed in the spare bedroom, just in case. As for sustenance, skip the MREs and go for [these](http://www.heatermeals.com/heatermealsplus.html). ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Hen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ad7895/32.png) [@Small\_Hen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Hen)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/15 "2008-12-10T01:45:39Z")
I’m afraid I don’t have anything to add, but I wanted to know if I was the only one who, at first glance, read the thread title as, “Help with X-mas gifts for someone afraid of losing their virginity?” No? Well, okay then. ---
**Author:** ![KSO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@KSO](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KSO)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/16 "2008-12-10T01:47:33Z")
Here’s a site that might give you some ideas: [http://www.backup-power.ca/home.html](http://www.backup-power.ca/home.html) ---
**Author:** ![Across](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c67d28/32.png) [@Across](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Across)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/17 "2008-12-10T01:52:05Z")
I’m planning to buy a Nelson Dynamo Torch for myself for Christmas. It’s LED, with FM radio and mobile phone charger. It’s the charger that sold me. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Carrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f0a364/32.png) [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/18 "2008-12-10T01:52:48Z")
Well, you know what people often do when the lights go out… ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/19 "2008-12-10T02:42:15Z")
> [@even\_sven](#): > > What are his biggest concerns? Frankly, I think he’s being a bit of a spaz because he acts like being without power for a couple of hours is the end of the world. When I was a kid, our power went out all the time, so I got more used to the idea. We always used to joke that the power went out whenever a cloud went over. He’s never lived anywhere like that, so he gets overly worked up. I’m hoping that some supplies and things will make him able to calm down about it. The short-wave radio idea is a great one, but he’s a ham and the one thing I’ve learned over the years is never ever EVER to buy him anything that remotely resembles anything that remotely touches on radios. I’ll have to listen to him telling me why what I bought wasn’t the right thing for 10 years. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Maui\_Lion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ea666f/32.png) [@Maui\_Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maui_Lion)\ **Post date:** [December 10, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451/20 "2008-12-10T02:49:47Z")
Well I got [this](http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/hats-ties/ad08/) for my uncle this year, maybe he could use one too? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-x-mas-gifts-for-someone-afraid-of-losing-electricity/476451.md?page=2)