“What I like about you”

This is the first in a series of blog posts called “What I like about you.”  My name is Tricia Stone, and I have been in the emergency business for a few decades, and would like to offer some insights into preparedness gear.  Let’s not swerve into “how old are you” thoughts, but if you must know, the Romantics released the song, “What I like about you” when I graduated from high school. The words aren't much, but it’s got a good beat and you can dance to it.

I have been a volunteer with the Red Cross since 2009. I retired from the San Diego Fire Department in 2008 after 21 years of service. From my experience, I've learned that we need to be prepared for anything: fires, floods, winter ice storms, tornadoes, Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, aliens, and zombies … if you are prepared for all of that, then you are pretty much good to go!

In my first “What I like about you” post, I want to focus on flashlights. When I was a firefighter, I had three different lights on my turnout gear. I had one light attached to my helmet, one clipped to the front of my jacket and one on my side cargo pants pocket. When you are in a bad environment, you want back ups to back ups.

Let’s talk about flashlights for the home. I looked at many different kinds but ended up choosing Etόn American Red Cross Blackout Buddy flashlight. I have six in my house: in bedrooms, hallways and even the bathroom.

What I like about you:

• It is a low-profile plug in light. It is always charged and ready to go.
• It can also serve as a night light. The slide switch on the side of the light turns it into night light.
• You know where it is because it is plugged into outlet, not hidden in a junk drawer or under the bed. So you walk by it everyday. You get familiar with where it is.
• It is bright enough to get the work done, or find your super bright light, or find your Go Bag in the dark and get out of the house safely.
• LED means minimal electrical draw while it is plugged into outlet

Last night my two dogs went crazy barking in the back yard. I grabbed my flashlight off the wall and headed out back. I never did find what they were after - I suspect a cat - but they were insistent an intruder had wandered through our fenced yard. I was at least prepared for that!

Next time: Flashlights for your Go Bag

Tricia Stone