A good torch is a great practical item that makes life safer and easier. We have a really good torch we bought for blackouts, power cuts, and emergencies at home and on the road.
After a few unexpected power cuts, a power failure at home and a car breakdown, we realised how valuable a dependable, well designed torch can be for us.
Now my husband is severe sight impaired blind, I am responsible for his safety in all situations and so I feel safer and more in control now that I have a handy and powerful torch. The Fire Brigade visited us to advise and recommended we have at least one torch and we actually bought four, one for the bedroom, the hall downstairs, the car and one I keep in my handbag.
Why We Invested in a Good Torch
Like many people, I had relied on the torch built into my phone. It is handy, but on my phone at least, is not bright enough for real emergencies and it is only one light source. After a couple of situations where we needed a stronger light, we decided it was time to buy a good dedicated torch.
Important Torch Features To Consider
- Bright enough to light up a large room and when outside so a good strong beam of light is necessary.
- Lightweight so it can be carried easily and durable
- Rechargeable, or easy to find batteries for convenience.
- Small enough to keep in a pocket, handbag and the car. I know from experience that I wont carry a big torch around with me.
- Handle or loop handle to hang over the wrist, so I don't drop it and so that it is easy to handle when carrying other things or guiding my husband.
- Equipped with multiple light modes, such as low or soft light, bright light and flashing alert mode for emergencies so that it is versatile whatever situation we are in.
- A small compact size to fit in a pocket or handbag, you can see in the photograph below how our torch is only the similar length to a mobile phone.
How It Helps During Power Cuts and Blackouts
Power cuts, although most disruptive during the long dark nights of winter can and do happen at any time of year. Storms bringing down cables, electrical faults, trips, outages or even planned maintenance can leave us suddenly in the dark. Now we are so used to having electricity in our homes and light at the flick of a switch, this can become a little worrying when we are in darkness.
A good torch makes a huge difference to us in relation to safety and security. It is very reassuring knowing we have torches that will work whenever we need light.
- We can safely move around the house without tripping up over things or having to rummage to find things in the dark. This is especially important if you have children, are a carer for someone, are older or have a disability.
- A torch should be powerful enough to light up the stairs, hallway, and areas outside the house like the drive, garden and garage for when we need to go out after dark.
- It gives us instant, bright light without draining our phone that may well be needed to make calls.
- It makes checking the ECU (Electrical Consumer Unit) under our stairs for tripped lights so much easier as we now have a very bright directional light.
- A good torch with regularly checked batteries should have a good long battery life. Or even better if easily rechargeable.
- The very bright flashing emergency mode can be used to signal for help if needed.
Car Safety
We also keep a torch in the car, and it’s been invaluable more than once. We used it to check a tyre after a pot hole encounter and trying to find something we lost in the boot where we do not have a bright light.
There is the comfort of knowing that if we break down, we have a good torch and so a light source which is always comforting in the dark.
The emergency flashing mode is especially useful if we ever need to alert that we have broken down and it is reassuring to have it. It is good to be visible on a dark road. I also feel better knowing that, although I have my mobile phone to call for help, if I need to wait in the dark, I have a source of light and if there are occasions I cannot get a phone signal I could use it to signal for help.
More General Uses For A Torch
- Walking the dog at dusk or even letting the dog out for the final toilet in the garden. We looked after a dog once who was afraid of the dark and we needed to use a torch so he would go toilet!
- Checking the garden or shed is locked after dark.
- Going out after dark to seek out caterpillars or snails on my plants (I don't kill them but I do move them to other less important plants !)
- Taking the bins out after dark, I always forget to do it in the daylight especially in winter!
- Night time safety when travelling whether its in the car or on public transport.
- Walking back to car parks when its dusk or dark. I especially prefer to have a light source with me when doing this.
- Keys in the door when returning home in the dark.
- Power cuts or outages at home or work
- Camping in the countryside or simply outdoor evenings in the garden.
Here are some torch options available at Amazon
Peace Of Mind With A Torch
A simple torch has brought us peace of mind. It’s not the most exciting item to buy, but it is very practical, reliable, and extremely useful. I would also buy it as a gift.
I keep a torch in my handbag, the car, our bedroom and hung in the hallway. It’s one of those items that gives me peace of mind wherever I am and it makes my husband and I feel much better prepared for those unexpected, yet very possible events that happen.
As I say bye for a while, it has been a pleasure writing here. Thank you for reading my articles and being a part of my journey. I truly appreciate it. Raintree Annie xxx
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Reviewing How A Good Torch Is A Great Safety Item by Raintree Annie
What a great guide to purchasing a great flashlight/torch. You pointed out several key elements that we should all think about. The important thing is to have one when you need it! Thanks Raintree Annie.
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