The Best Survival Flashlights That Money Can Buy

A very important piece in the serious prepper’s survival kit is the flashlight. No one should go without one. If SHTF at some point or another, any old flashlight will do if a survival flashlight is not in reach… but nothing can compete with a professional, state of the art lighting gadget that’s been designed specifically for such occasions.

These survival flashlights, also known as tactical flashlights are superior to a normal flashlight in both battery life and durability. Most of them come with new and improved LED lighting systems and extremely powerful batteries (rechargeable batteries) that will outlast regular flashlights; there’s is hardly any competition there.

Because they’re meant for usage in extreme situations, they are built to be extremely tough and robust: they’ll withstand shocks, they’re waterproof (most of them are) and will deteriorate slowly (if at all) even in extreme climates.

And the term “survival” applies in more ways than you can imagine; because they’re so sturdy and tough, made up from strong alloys, they can be used as a self defense clubs in case you’ll be forced to protect yourself.

One hit over the head and, ironically, it’s lights out! There’s great variety on the market in the survival flashlight department; products vary in shape, sizes, type of battery (primary or rechargeable), lightning filters and sequences etc. I’m about to show you some of those that I actually got to use and could be an asset to anybody in distress.

Olight M22 Warrior

This particular flashlight is still, in my opinion, the best option out there for those who are on a tight budget. It’s the best if you consider the price/quality ratio, considering you can buy it for about $50. It’s 5.7 inches long (1.6 in diameter) and it weighs 5.15oz. The M22 Warrior‘s body is made up of a very durable aluminum which is also used in aircraft manufacture. It used the latest and greatest in LED technology (Cree XM-L2 LED), which can put out about 950 lumens; this is more than enough to give you visibility coverage of about 1000 feet. It has an adjustable brightness level that works on 3 settings and a strobe mode for signaling your position or disorienting attackers. The mode selection and strobe can be turned on / off through a selector unit built into the head of the flashlight. There’s another switch located at the opposite side which controls brightness, but also the auto strobe mode, for quick access. The power source is optional: you can use 2x CR123A batteries units or 1x 18650 battery. At the lowest setting (20 lumens) you get 30 hours of battery time and 1 hour at its highest setting (950 lumens).

SureFire E2D Defender

The SureFire E2D Defender is probably the best self-defense oriented flashlight that I got my hands on. If it’s a white weapon you want that can also light the way from time to time, look no further. It has a crenelated front bezel and tail, all to make it more menacing at to give more angles and edges that can be used in a combat situation. It’s probably the toughest survival flashlight on the market and will take quite a bit of striking force to actually break it; you most probably won’t. If you hit hard and precisely enough, it will stop any attacker in its tracks, be it man or animal. We got the self-defense part covered and we can all agree the SureFire E2D Defender is the force to be reckoned with. If you expect it to be less efficient as a flashlight than it is as a weapon, you’d be wrong because it’s actually pretty good. It has a 2 settings mode: the full power mode will have it working at 200 lumens and will deplete the battery in about 2 hours. The ultra power-saving mode will get it down to 5 lumens, but it will keep battery life for up to 76 hours. It measures 5.4 inches in length and it weighs about 3.7oz.

Fenix HL22

This is a very good choice for those who are looking for a large yet lightweight flashlight, that’s easy to use and carry around. It’s 2.5 inches long, 1.6 inches in diameter and despite its size, it weighs about 1.6oz without battery. It has 3 adjustable brightness settings and it also has an SOS lightning mode, which is perfect for signaling for help. At its highest setting of 120 lumens, it will deplete the battery in about an hour and a half. But if you let it run on power saving mode, its setting of 3 lumens will keep the battery lasting for about 55 hours. And all this can be achieved with a simple AA battery. The power saving mode of 3 lumens is not bright enough for visibility over long distances; you’ll only be able to walk without tripping over anything in the dark.

Klarus XT12 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight

I love this one. This thing is built like a tank, super bright (up to 930 lumens), waterproof to 2 meters, has a strobe mode to disorient an enemy in darkness, and comes with a magnetic connector that enables it to be charged via USB – using the cable supplied. Note that this is a non-standard cable so don’t lose it (or get a spare) otherwise you won’t be able to charge the flashlight.

Summary: Choosing your personal flashlight is no easy thing and you should do it by the book. Consider the possibilities, scout the market thoroughly and make the right decision. Of course, you can have more than one, just to play it safe. When comes to survival flashlights, the prices may vary from $15 to even $400.

12 Home Essentials You Need For Survival

12 Home Essentials You Need For Survival. Graphic © myfamilysurvivalplan.com. Background image – Unsplash

With so many daily works, family, and personal distractions, it’s no wonder so many of us remain unconcerned and unprepared for a potential disaster to strike. But they do strike often, all around the world, and assuming you and your family will be exempt could endanger your lives.

Even though it takes thought and investment, preparing your home and your family for unexpectedly harsh conditions is well worth the sacrifice. In fact, the peace of mind alone might be worth it. If you don’t know where to get started, Modernize offers up a list of home essentials to build off of as you collect survival supplies.

Flashlights, Lanterns, and Backup Batteries

When anticipating a disaster, the last thing you should rely on is electricity. And there’s nothing more frightening than thinking of trying to keep your family safe in total darkness. Make sure flashlights and lanterns are handy in several rooms of the house, and always keep a good stock of backup batteries and bulbs. Solar flashlights are also a great addition, especially if you’re going to need to be on the move.

Hand Crank Radio

Staying tuned in to what’s going on could mean the difference between life and death. Procure a solar hand crank radio that will keep you updated on the news and weather while you keep your family locked up safe.

Solar Oven and Freezer

Nobody hopes that the aftermath of a disaster will be long-term. But it’s best to prepare for a longer time without electricity than you would like to imagine. Solar ovens are simple, effective, and can cook food in a variety of ways. Ready-to-go, just-add-water meals are very handy for a short-term emergency. But a solar oven and a solar freezer to store your food stock could work in tandem to keep your family eating well in spite of the circumstances.

Coats and Boots

Being prepared for inclement weather is essential. Heavy-duty raincoats, winter coats, hiking boots, and rain boots will help keep them warm in dry in case of flooding or freezing weather. It will also help them travel more easily if traveling becomes necessary.

Water Purifier

Aside from shelter, water is the most immediate and vital need in many emergency situations. If you are not prepared to convert unsafe water into potable water, you’re not truly prepared at all. You need to both have ways to filter and purify it. While you’re thinking of your water needs, it never hurts to set up a rain catchment system that will allow you access to running water—though you will still need to treat rainwater to make it potable.

First Aid Supplies

A well-stocked survival first aid kit will include gloves, surgical shears, antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relieving medication, antibiotic ointment, cotton-tipped applicators, sterile gauze pads, a thermometer, tweezers, and several other items.

Make sure to thoroughly research and go beyond the basics for your first aid kit.

Pet Supplies

No one overlooks their kids when they plan for a disaster, but a pet isn’t always foremost on everyone’s mind. Pets need their own survival supplies including food, blankets, bowls, a leash, their own first aid supplies, and anything else you determine your individual pets’ need.

Sanitary Supplies

While weather disasters are more common in America these days, epidemics also pose a danger—as do unclean condition potentially caused by natural disasters. Supplies that would come in handy during a dangerous outbreak include adhesive sealing masks with eye shields, anti-bacterial and anti-virus lotion, anti-bacterial wipes, biohazard bags, biohazard suits and gloves, and a supply of antibacterial soap.

Hygiene Essentials

Comfort and cleanliness isn’t usually the first thing on your mind in a survival situation. But if you prepare ahead, you can be more thorough about what your family needs and wants. Items like soap, toilet tissue, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine products, deodorant, and razors will come in handy even after just a day of relying on your survival supplies.

Sleeping Bags

Reflective sleeping bags that are cushy and can withstand harsh weather could mean the difference between a safe and good night’s rest and many sleepless, anxious nights. To protect your family from hypothermia, select sleeping bags that offer heavy insulation, fully waterproof materials, and low-temperature ratings.

Emergency Preparedness Guide

No matter how much you prepare yourself and your family, any type of emergency or disaster is bound to come with surprises. Instead of relying completely on your supplies and knowledge, make sure you have the educational resources anyone in your family would need to know how to deal with in difficult disaster-related circumstances.

Multi-Tool Knife

Weapons are certainly an important aspect of a home survival kit, as are tools. Combine them into one item for optimum efficiency and ease of use. You never know when a screwdriver, pliers, or a mini saw could come in handy.

These are simply the foundational items for a home survival kit. Build off of your family’s anticipated needs and show them how to use the supplies in case of an emergency.

By Mary Saurer

Mary Sauer is a writer who has been published by Babble, Mom.me, and What to Expect. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two young daughters.

5 Most Radioactive Places On Earth – Avoid These At All Costs!

In the last century science and technology has advanced to the point that the destructive powers of atomic energy can be produced and harnessed in power plants in order to provide electricity for our urban establishments and in some cases vehicles (ex. nuclear submarines). The pioneers in the area like Albert Einstein and Marie Currie have made their best efforts in order to contribute to mankind’s progress. But such power was easily perverted, and the atomic science was rapidly put to use for military purposes, creating the atomic arsenal which is the most devastating man-made weapon today.

But it doesn’t take an atomic bomb to wreak havoc. A nuclear power plant in which things go wrong (be it human negligence or just bad luck) is just as dangerous and terrifying as a nuclear device set on exploding. History shows that many peaceful applications of nuclear power resulted in catastrophes.

Radiation / Radioactivity

An atom is considered to be radioactive once it begins emitting particles and waves known as radiation. Radiation is being emitted when an unstable nucleus transforms (into something completely different or just pure energy). In the making of nuclear energy, most materials used in the reactors are highly unstable and harmful to pretty much everything alive (carbon based). These materials decay over various timescales (from microseconds to thousands of years), continuously emitting highly noxious radiation in the process.

As I said before, many attempts at creating atomic energy along the years have gone terribly wrong. These places are currently under the effects of very high radioactivity and can be potentially fatal for everybody. Here are the 5 most radioactive places on Earth.

5. The Semipalatinsk Test Site (Kazakhstan)

For a period of 40 years (1949 – 1989), the Soviet Union has conducted around 450 nuclear weapon tests testis in this region. The nuclear missiles were either detonated in the atmosphere or exploded on impact with the ground. However, 5 of these tests have been reported unsuccessful, scattering all around highly radioactive plutonium. In 1961 began the underground tests; 13 out of 300 were unsuccessful, resulting in the release of radioactive gases, quickly reaching the atmosphere. Nearby inhabitants from the town of Kurchatov or from small settlements like Akhzar and Moldari are suffering from health complications due to radioactivity.

Kurchatov City reduced to a ghost-town

4. The Mayak site (Russia)

The accident happened on 29 September 1959 at a plutonium production site. The magnitude of the disaster measured level 6 on the International Nuclear Event Scale. As a result of the unfortunate event, about 100 tons of radioactive waste was released into the atmosphere. All the cities around the Mayak plant were greatly affected by the radioactive debris: Ozyorsk, Chelyabinsk, and Oblast. What’s even more disturbing about this unfortunate event is that the Russian authorities have kept the accident a secret until late 1980, which means the inhabitants of the surrounding areas have unknowingly exposed themselves to a radioactive environment for over 20 years!

The Mayak plutonium production site

3. The Hanford site (U.S.A.)

The plutonium-producing site is located on a 586-square-mile area, in southeastern Washington State. It was put to use in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project. Along the years 9 nuclear reactors have been constructed along the Columbia River. In 1989 production stopped in order to clean and decontaminate the area, becoming the most massive project of the sort the U.S has ever done.

The mass production of plutonium-based weaponry resulted in 43 million cubic yards of radioactive waste, over 130 million cubic yards of contaminated soil and 475 billion gallons of contaminated water (which was discharged in the soil). Today, about 80 square miles of groundwater in the area is contaminated by radiation.

circa 1955: The American Atomic Energy Commision’s plutonium production plant at Hanford, Washington. (Photo by Evans/Three Lions/Getty Images)

2. Chernobyl (Ukraine)

Probably the most popular atomic event in history, this 1986 tragedy was the result of a defective reactor which was operated by inadequately trained personnel. Two engineers were killed at the moment of the explosions and one month later, over 40 firemen and plant operators which were exposed to severe radiation, died on hospital beds. It is believed that 6 million people had been exposed to radiation in that period and about 90,000 have been killed by it throughout the years. The explosion caused by the broken reactor is believed to have been 100 times more powerful then both bombs combined dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. During the uncontrolled fires, about 5% of the radioactive core material was dispersed into the atmosphere.

The exploded reactor in Chernobyl

1. Fukushima (Japan)

In 2011 a, 9.0 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami which hit Japan head-on. The next day, radioactive material began to spread in what was becoming the biggest atomic incident since Chernobyl. Because 3 of the plant’s reactors had lost their ventilation systems due to the tsunami striking, they melted down because of overheating. As a result, enormous amounts radioactive material was quickly spewed into the sea. It is believed that a radius of 200 miles surrounding the nuclear power plant has been directly affected by radioactive waste.

Reactors exploding in Fukushima

So next time you’re planning a trip or a vacation to some unknown place, do some little research. Going to a radioactive hotspot is just like entering “the lion’s den”. And if you must go anyways, make sure you take all the necessary precautions, wear protective gear at all time, always have a fully-working radioactive emissions measurement tool on you and go nowhere without your guide.