How to Create Light During a Power Outage

During a power outage, there are still things you can do to have light in your home just by using day to day things and other stuff you might have in storage.

5-Minutes Crafts has found 6 ways for you to still have light, even if the power’s out.

1. Using candles

If you have a few candles at hand, you can turn to those.

• Having a candle lantern can help ensure safety.
• Candles provide a low light, but burn for a long time.
• Do not extinguish the candle with water. This can increase the flame and even break any glass container the candle might be in.
• Do not blow on the candle to extinguish it.
• Extinguish the candle by smothering the flame. The recommended way is to use a snuffer.

2. Making a sardine oil lamp

• Empty the container of sardines.
• Place a natural fiber string into the remaining oil.
• Leave it slightly over the edge of the container.
• The string will absorb the oil, and it will burn for a long time.
• Light the wick once it’s fully soaked.

3. Using crayons as candles

• If you want, you can melt the pointy part of the crayon first.
• You can use the melted wax to make a stand for your crayon candle.

Important: Burn it on a fire safe surface, like for example glass.

4. Using a flashlight

Flashlights are always nice to keep at hand. A handheld one or even a bigger one that illuminates the room more, will do the trick.

5. Using glow sticks

Glow sticks usually aren’t that expensive and they last for a long time.

• Place them in the corners of your room to create ambient light.
• You can tie them to your clothes, and they will act almost like a flashlight.
• Some colors might even be bright enough to read with.

6. Making a candle out of an orange

You’ll need an orange and cooking oil for this one.

• Cut all the way around the center of the orange’s peel. Make sure to not hit the flesh of the orange.
• With your thumb placed between the peel and the flesh, carefully loosen the peel of the orange by rotating it.
• After it’s loosened up, with your hands on both ends of the orange, slowly twist it until you’re left with only the peel.
• Place the peel on a fire retardant material.
• Pour the oil slowly over the top of the wick (center column), to soak it.
• Light the center column of the orange.
• Add oil as you go to maintain the flame.