Build An Emergency Lamp For $1

By on Jan 22, 2008 · 1 Comment 

I remember when we had the massive blackout on the East coast a few years back how hard it was for most people to have something as basic as a light source at home. Dead batteries in their flash lights, no candles, or even basic survival supplies like water and canned foods.

I think that experience had opened a few eyes to the importance of building an emergency kit for such incidents, but on the other hand, if you are jammed in a situation this neat video will show you how to build an emergency lamp for about $1. Some vegetable oil and an empty glass bottle is all you’ll need. Plus, it will last for 10 hours ensuring you have plenty of light.

Remember, this shouldn’t be your basic light source in an emergency. You should have some fresh batteries in a flashlight. This should be used in emergency situations only.


Frank's the editor in chief of tech.nocr.at. He can be found surfing the internet and playing with gadgets. Follow him on twitter @franklinhares

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  • Robert Clark

    You should also use oils that have a higher smoke temperature as they smoke less as they burn. Also if you live in colder climates you should use unsaturated oils, the thinner the better. The lamp wont work to well when the oil congeals from the cold.

    The better oils to use would be the cheaper oils that you would use to deep fry.

    Another good hint for small oil lamps like this is to attach the bottom to a plate or put it in side of a bigger heavier non flammable container to help prevent accidental knoking over of the lamp and the spilling of the flammable oil.

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