Review This Reviews!

Showing posts with label home safety. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Reviewing How A Good Torch Is A Great Safety Item

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.

Torch size same as average mobile phone size

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.

Close up of black torch on yellow background

Here are some torch options available at Amazon

NEXTORCH E51D Rechargeable Flashlight High Lumen, 2100 Lumen Tactical Flashlight with 3 Mode & StrobeCheck Price Small Powerful Flashlight Rechargeable High Lumens 3Packs-800L Pocket Bright Flash Light with 12H Long LifeCheck Price Lepro LED Mini Flashlight High Lumens with Clip, Waterproof, Energy Saving, Portable, AA BatteriesCheck Price

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

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Do I Need an Underpad for My Area Rug? Things To Consider

5 Things to Consider to Decide If You Need An Underpad for Your Area Rug

Adding an area rug to your home is a wonderful way to enhance the aesthetic appeal of any room. Not only does it provide a cozy and stylish touch, but it also adds a layer of comfort underfoot.

However, consider using an underpad to maximize the benefits of your area rug. An underpad, also known as a rug pad or rug underlay, is a thin cushioning layer placed underneath the area rug. Its advantages include increased comfort, improved safety, and enhanced rug durability. If you're wondering how to properly choose an underpad for your area rug, here are some key points to consider.

Product Page Featuring Various Area Rug Underpads Here

1. What Size of Underpad Should You Choose for Your Area Rug?

When selecting an underpad, it's crucial to consider its size in relation to your area rug. The underpad should be slightly smaller than your rug, allowing the edges of the rug to lay flat on the floor while the underpad remains hidden beneath.

The underpad should be cut approximately 1-2 inches shorter on all sides than your rug. This ensures the underpad doesn't protrude or become visible, creating a neat and polished appearance.

Also, by allowing the edges to lay flat on the floor, you'll avoid added elevation of the rug edges, which can be a tripping hazard. With the underpadding a couple of inches away from the edge and the edges lying flat, you'll have a safer setup.

2. Which is the Better Material and Thickness to Go With?

Underpads are available in various materials, such as rubber, felt, and synthetic blends. Each material offers distinct benefits, so choosing the one that suits your needs is essential.

Rubber underpads provide excellent grip, preventing your rug from slipping and sliding on the floor. On the other hand, felt underpads offer additional cushioning and can help protect delicate floors from scratches. Synthetic blends often combine the advantages of both rubber and felt.

Thickness is another crucial aspect to consider. Underpads come in different thickness levels, typically ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch. Thicker underpads offer more cushioning, making your area rug feel softer and more comfortable underfoot. They also provide extra insulation and noise reduction. Thinner underpads, while less cushioned, are suitable for rugs in high-traffic areas where a lower profile is desired.

3. Consider the Benefit of Added Protection for Your Floors

Besides offering comfort and stability, underpads also play a vital role in protecting your floors. Hardwood, laminate, or tile floors can be susceptible to scratches and damage caused by the constant movement of an area rug. A quality underpad acts as a barrier, preventing your rug from rubbing against the floor and minimizing the risk of unsightly marks or scuffs. Moreover, underpads can help extend the lifespan of your flooring, making them a wise investment in the long run.

4. Safety Considerations with a Slip-Resistant Underlay

Safety is a crucial consideration when choosing an underpad. A high-quality underpad should have a slip-resistant surface on one side, which helps keep your area rug securely in place and minimizes the risk of slips or falls. This is especially important if you have children, elderly individuals, or pets in your home. Additionally, underpads with good grip properties ensure your rug stays in position even in high-traffic areas, preventing potential accidents.

5. Consider an Area Rug Underpad to Help with Floor Noise Reduction

An underpad can also contribute to noise reduction in your home. If you have hardwood or tile floors, footsteps, and furniture movement can often create echoes and amplify sound.

The cushioning properties of an underpad help absorb impact and reduce noise transmission, making your space more peaceful and quiet.

Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a relaxing evening at home, an underpad can create a more serene environment by minimizing the sound produced when walking or shifting furniture on your area rug. Say goodbye to unwanted noise and hello to a calmer atmosphere with the help of a quality underpad.

In conclusion, while an area rug can undoubtedly enhance the beauty of your space, using an underpad is highly recommended to fully enjoy its benefits. When selecting an underpad, remember to choose a size slightly smaller than your rug to maintain a clean and polished look. Consider the material and thickness that best suits your needs, whether it's the grip of rubber, the cushioning of felt, or the versatility of synthetic blends. Don't forget about floor protection and safety—opt for an underpad that provides a slip-resistant surface and helps safeguard your floors. By choosing the right underpad for your area rug, you'll ensure maximum comfort, increased durability, and a safer living environment for you and your loved ones.

Product Page Featuring Various Area Rug Underpads Here

FOLLOW US ON:

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Reviewing The Benefits Of Battery Motion Sensor Lights

We have had these portable battery-operated motion sensor lights for about a year now and I can say that we are so happy to have these useful lights. We have the Beams ones which we are happy with, but there are many choices depending on your needs.

Essentially they are battery-powered lights that come on automatically when they sense movement. They stay on as long as movement is detected then quickly go off if all is still.

They have a bright white light and for their size do give out a surprisingly useful reassuring beam of light.

Palm-sized battery Motion Sensor Light

We have found the batteries to last a very long time with our usage.

They only come on when motion is detected and go off again quite quickly if there is no movement detected so they do not use up the battery quickly.

They are not large and easily fit on a table, sideboard, kitchen sink, or window ledge.

We find them very light and easy to carry around in the palm of your hand.

You can easily move them from place to place and comfortably carry one or two around with you to light the way.

We are used to having electrical lights whenever we need them. However, there are many potential occasions when these electric lights may fail, for example, a power cut or outage whether it is planned or sudden, storm damage or simply running out of replacement bulbs for the main light.

Some of these lights are designed for indoor use only or indoor/outdoor and some are especially suited for outdoor use and can be fixed securely to buildings so do check descriptions carefully so you get the right ones for your needs. It is probably best to have a variety to be prepared.

Some lights you can place on a surface or stick onto a surface or have the option to be fixed more permanently, so check what suits you best.

Keeping a few battery-powered lights around can be a real help when electrical lights fail for whatever reason. We can use candles of course but while they are lovely for a romantic meal, I do question the safety of flames in a blackout situation and especially where older people, children and pets are around. So we prefer to use these portable lights.

Photo showing size of motion sensor lights against a coffee mug

Uses For Portable Motion Sensor Battery Lights

We have personally found many uses for them including the following.

In the hallway so that at night we do not need to switch on the main lights just to walk to the bathroom.

In the garden patio in order to light up the garden area near the house.

On the floor by the skirting board when we thought we had mice to see if any were actually around! If they ran past the light it would come on.

On the porch where we do not have an electrical light to help when we returned home in the dark and for the postie and milk delivery to be able to see better in the early dawn

They were very handy when there was a power cut as we had them on the stairs and hallway, living room, kitchen and bedroom to easily light our way and keep us safe from trips or falls.

We also had a couple to carry around in the power cut as they are much safer than candles and more effective with a good strong beam of light.

In event of a power cut or if you do not have outside lights it is useful to position a couple so that if you need to go to the bins or let the dog/cat out in the dark there is some useful light.

Keep one or two in the car so that in the event of a breakdown or emergency, you will have some light.

Further Benefits Of Motion Sensor Battery Operated Lights

We also think they are very useful and have real benefits for the following situations.

For Elderly relatives or vulnerable people to position around the home permanently so that even if the lights are not on or they forget to turn lights on or have a power cut or outage they have light automatically. I do feel this is crucial to help prevent trips and falls and the worry that comes with darkness.

Children to have them in their rooms or in the hallway so that if they do not turn the lights on or there is an outage during the night they can still move around safely and have some light.

Pets. If your home is in complete darkness it is all too easy to trip up over a dog or cat or any other pet that may be around. With these lights just position a couple on the floor and you will see where your pet is so you can safely avoid him or her.

In a dark closet or wardrobe, cupboard or larder so you can instantly see better.

Security- A wired-in electrical security light system is great when you have electricity. However, if you do not have any installed or if there is a power cut it is good to have a backup system. You can place a portable motion sensor light on a porch or in the patio or window box where it will detect any movement. I would advise they are kept away from heavy rain though unless they are sold as fully waterproof. Ours which are sold as indoor/outdoor have been fine on a porch and when positioned in a large container and covered by a large waterproof plant pot so just the sensor part is visible.

However, if you want a more permanent backup system or instead of electrical security lights outside, I would think it's best to go for ones that are designed especially for outdoor use and bad weather and can be securely installed.

Where I live we are being advised that there may be periods of blackouts or power cuts this winter and they are expected to last for 3 to 4 hours at a time so these lights will be essential during those times. We are going to set them up in key areas around the home so it is all ready. This will take the stress out of searching for candles or torches when it is pitch dark!

We do not like to be without lights and I think it can be very dangerous to either try to move around in the dark or equally to carry candles or other light that may be easily flammable. These lights are so portable and give a very useful beam.

I think these portable battery-operated sensor lights are a very useful household item, but especially if you have older people, children or pets living in your home I think they are essential.