A Tactical Flashlight Could Save Your Life
When most of us think of flashlights, we’re focused more on convenience than on life-and-death situations.
We use flashlights when the power goes out in our home to check the fuse box. Or we use it at night in the backyard to see what the dog is barking at. Or we use it any time of day to look under a bed.
But the fact is, a tactical flashlight can be a lifesaver. In fact, I did some research and came up with 7 different ways a flashlight could help you in an emergency.
Keep reading to learn about ‘em. And then I’ll give you a dozen things to look for in a tactical flashlight, if you’re in the market for one.
7 ways a flashlight could keep you alive
- Spotting danger in the darkness. If you find yourself walking in a dark area – due to a power outage or if you’re camping in the woods – a flashlight is a big help for finding your way, avoiding pitfalls, and spotting dangerous wildlife.
- Escaping from a hazard zone. If there were a crisis like a blackout, flood, or chemical spill near where you live, a flashlight might be the only tool at your disposal to help you get out of the region as quickly and safely as possible.
- Signaling for help. If you get lost in a secluded area, whether during an escape from a bad situation, going off-grid, a camping trip, or are stranded somewhere, a flashlight could be used to signal for help. Especially if your flashlight has a built-in SOS component or a strobe function to it. It’s a great way to alert help to your location.
- Getting out of a submerged vehicle. When a vehicle plunges into a body of water – and it happens more often than you might think – the driver and passengers have very little time to save themselves from drowning. A tactical flashlight with a razor-sharp edge can rip through a stuck seatbelt. And its glass-breaking hammer can quickly break open a window that could become jammed in an accident.
- Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. But if you’re in a pinch, a flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker to allow an escape, while its barrel can be used for a counterattack.
-
A vehicle breakdown. If your vehicle breaks down, you’ll need light to check under the hood or change a tire in the dark. And if you have to abandon the car and walk somewhere, it will help light your way.
- Charging a cellphone for an emergency call. If your cellphone is dead and you need to make a call for help, some tactical flashlights can charge up handheld devices. That phone call could be your lifeline in an emergency.
What to look for
Here’s what I look for in a tactical flashlight:
- Ultra-bright LED flashlight
- Solar panel
- Power bank
- SOS light and strobe
- Work light
- Seatbelt/rope splitter
- Glass-breaking hammer
- Compass
- Magnet
- Lightweight
- Anti-slip handle
- Adjustable wrist strap
Everybody needs a flashlight. And several of them are much better than having just one. That way, you can keep one in each of the rooms where you might need it. Not to mention in your vehicles.
But make sure they are tactical flashlights. Because light in the darkness is only one of the advantages you can enjoy with a flashlight.
[VIDEO] 4Patriots Survival Minutes | 5-Step Home Survival Guide
Join former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley in this 4Patriots Survival Minute, as he breaks down the must-haves for a 72-hour home survival kit. From water rationing to the importance of non-lethal self-defense, Cade shares practical tips and tools to help you become a survivor, not a statistic.
The Inside Scoop 🎬:
- Learn the five essential elements for addressing survival situations at home: water, food, medical supplies, shelter, and security.
- The recommended water supply is one gallon per person per day, with half for drinking and half for cooking or sanitation, totaling three gallons for 72 hours.
- A 72-hour food kit is pre portioned for you as a crucial component of the survival kit.
- The inclusion of a sleeping bag is recommended by Cade to address potential temperature drops in case of power outages, even if indoors.
- First aid supplies, including a three-day stock of prescription medication, are also essentials for self-sufficiency and safety in emergencies.
Featured Products 🔦:
Transcript 🎞️:
“Hey folks, former Navy SEAL Cade Courtly with your 4Patriots “Survival Minute.”
Okay, so let’s discuss the five things that you basically need to address for dealing with a survival situation at home: water, food, medical. You need to deal with shelter, and then you need to deal with security. So we’re going to address all five of those things, and they’re all contained within this container for your at-home kit.
I start with a big old tote bin; these things are great because they’re varmint proof, they’re waterproof. When you fill it up, you can stick it in a closet, put it in the basement, and just leave it alone; it’s ready to roll.
All right, first things first, water. In this kind of scenario, I recommend one gallon per person per day, half of which is for drinking; the other half is for cooking and cleaning or sanitation. You need three of these for 72 hours.
Next, the aptly named 72-hour food kit. These are great, they’re ready to roll for you; you’re going to want to average about 2,000 calories a day, and this is a perfect kit for 3 days or 72 hours.
Next, I have a great little sleeping bag I like keeping in here. Yes, you’re indoors, which is great; you’re going to have shelter from rain, snow, wind. But if the power is out and the temperature outside is cold, the temperature inside is going to drop rapidly. This is just a really nice-to-have thing; you know, obviously, you have blankets and things like that, but I like having this in my kit so you can just grab it.
All right, first aid. If something goes wrong, you’re not going to be able to call 911 because nobody’s going to show up. So you want to be able to take care of things within your own home on your own. Also, I highly recommend having 3 days of prescription medication in this if that’s something that you require on a daily basis.
Okay, we can’t forget lights. HaloXT, the thing is amazing; you guys all have seen it, you know all about it. Lights are going to be out, and you’re going to need to find your way around. And then, Patriot Power Cell, must-haves. These are great, put them in your bin.
Final thing I want to discuss is security. When things get nasty outside, you’re going to see the worst in people. All right, you might have firearms in the house, but if you’re somebody that is uneasy or uncomfortable with that kind of situation, I highly recommend bear spray. It’s a non-lethal form of self-defense.
All right, folks, so that is your very basic 72-hour, 3-day home survival kit. Strong recommendations for additions to it: Patriot power generator is incredible, I love those things. The emergency radio so you can know what’s going on, what the status is of the power, the situation outside. I mean, you could fill eight of these up, and I think starting with this one is a great start, and then you can just keep adding to it and adding to it so you will be a survivor, not a statistic. This is Cade Courtley with your 4Patriots survival minute.”
[VIDEO] HaloXT Tactical Flashlight: Perfect Under-$50 Dad Gift 🎁🔦
It’s 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟏𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 event and we’re “snow” happy to kick it off with one of our most gifted gadgets: The HaloXT Tactical Flashlight.
Even Rudolph can’t compete with this 200-lumen light. It’s about 8X brighter than your average holiday Christmas lights.
Transcript 🎞️:
“Is this gadget the best dad gift this year? I think so. That’s because this handy tool is perfect for the whole family, and it’s a gift only the cool dads like myself think of. It’s also under $50 bucks and it’s a guaranteed win with anyone in your family … even those hard to shop for tweens, teens and college students.
This is the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight, and it packs several safety features in one gadget. Now, not to brag but I am the favorite gift giver of the family so I can assure you that this is a no-brainer.
If you’re a parent looking to give your kid a gift that would protect them in a crisis and that they’ll actually think is cool, and not just another annoying lecture on safety, then you should think about getting one of these.
This little stocking stuffer is a 9-in-1 solar survival tool that’s been designed specifically for use on the road. What makes this little gadget even more unique is that this flashlight doubles as a solar charging power bank, making sure your phone is always able to be charged even if heaven forbid you find yourself stuck on the side of the road.
It also has important car safety tools like a seat belt cutter, SOS light and glass breaking hammer.
This is the gift no one knew they needed, but once they have it they’ll never leave home without it. If you want to make sure you give a gift with purpose you’ve come to the right spot. Click HERE right now and get yours before the holiday rush.”
Military Backpacks & Your Survival Stash Have Much in Common
Two weeks ago, I sent you an email on the topic of U.S. troops carrying cellphones. We went through the pros (communication and morale). As well as the cons (security risks including revealing locations).
There are different opinions on this subject. But one thing I think we can all agree on is what our troops definitely should carry while on duty.
That’s what we’ll discuss today. Some of these same things are items we should either carry or at least have stockpiled at home. Just in case of an emergency.
At the end I’ll tell you about a 4Patriots offer that solves two of the biggest challenges you’ll have during a crisis.
Troops carry own stuff
You’ve seen photos of our troops on battlefields. They almost always carry a backpack filled with items they can quickly access.
Back in the day, soldiers didn’t carry much equipment. A wagon holding those items would follow them.
But today’s troops need to access items quicker. And supply wagons are too tempting of a target for the enemy. So, soldiers now carry their own stuff.
The backpacks themselves are usually black. That makes them less visible at night. Another option is camouflage matching the soldier’s attire.
Water bladders
Now let’s get into the backpack’s contents. Keeping in mind that at any moment a soldier might require life-saving equipment.
Especially when they face dangerous and harsh conditions. And when there is no fresh water or food source near them.
Instead of bulky canteens troops once carried, they now have hydration bladders. Lighter in weight, these bladders feature a tube that reaches the soldier’s mouth.
An added convenience for military personnel is that the bladders are self-cleaning. And anti-bacterial. This rids their water of most contaminants.
Food rations
When troops are marching across a battlefield, there are very few McDonald’s in sight. So, they must carry their food.
Protein bars are a great source of energy and sustenance. But sometimes troops require food that also provides warmth.
Some of their food sources include flameless ration heaters. In 12 minutes with no visible flame, a food item can be heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
One thing troops have learned – sometimes the hard way – is it’s better to have too much food than not enough. They never know when a mission might require more time than anticipated.
First-aid kit
Injuries come with the territory when a military mission is involved. These injuries range from minor to moderate to major.
A troop’s first-aid kit must be comprehensive enough to treat minor and moderate injuries. And it should contain items that will at least stabilize a major injury.
With the assistance of other troops, they can use items in a first-aid kit to patch up wounds. That carries them over to when they’re in a position to receive more treatment.
Medicines for a variety of injuries are included in military backpacks. The kits also include items such as sunscreen.
Tactical flashlight
A tactical flashlight is also a must for military personnel. That’s because it can be used for a multitude of purposes.
Shining a bright light in the darkness is an obvious one. But these flashlights can do much more.
Including cutting through a barrier and breaking glass with its hammer. They also feature different light settings.
A durable tactical flashlight can save a life. They can be charged with their solar panel and power up other devices. Most also feature a magnet and compass.
Additional items
What other items can be found in a soldier’s backpack? Here are seven…
- Ammunition for guns they carry
- Gun-cleaning kit
- Body armor they’re not currently wearing
- Folded one-person tent (or part of a larger group tent)
- Compass
- Sleeping bag
- Extra clothing (especially clean, dry socks)
Food & water filtration at your fingertips
Take a quick look back at some of the items I’ve mentioned. Like food and water. Plus a tactical flashlight, first-aid, etc. Having these same types of items in your personal survival supply is important.
You may never find yourself out on a battlefield. But it might feel that way when disaster strikes. Wouldn’t you rather be over-prepared than under-prepared?
As promised, here’s a way you can ensure that with just one decision. You can get a 3-month supply of great-tasting, nutritious, and long-lasting survival food. Plus $752.30 in free bonuses.
Our Veterans Day special includes a free countertop water filtration system, free freeze-dried beef and chicken, free mini survival food kits & more.
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Your How-to Guide for Handling a Power Outage
Do you have a plan for the next time a blackout happens? Are your three main bases covered – power, food, and water?
Because Hurricane Hilary flooded Southern California, damaging roadways and forcing residents to stay locked inside their homes…
Not to mention the historic rainfall in the Northeast that brought floods to New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
And heat waves in the South increased stress on vulnerable power grids. Meanwhile, Texas officials urged thousands of residents to “reduce their energy consumption” and endure the brutal heat.
So if you don’t have supplies and a plan… You might be in a whole lot of trouble in the near future…
Know what to do
As with just about everything else in life, the better prepared you are to deal with an outage, the better off you and your family will be.
Today you’ll get a refresher course on things to do before your power goes out. And while it’s out. As well as what to do once power is restored.
You might want to print this out so you can be ready to deal with the next blackout without even thinking about it.
Knowing exactly what to do when the next inevitable power outage occurs will come in handy. And it will certainly speed up your efforts to handle the situation.
Your 3 main bases
Below are some before, during, and after tips for how to handle a power outage. But before I get to them, let’s look at those three bases again.
Power – You need back-up power. A portable, solar-powered generator will help you keep lights on and power most appliances. If you only have a gas-powered generator, do NOT run it indoors or even close to your residence. Power banks are perfect for smaller electronic devices. Tactical flashlights kept in various places in your home will also be a big help.
Food – You need non-perishable food with a long shelf life. Make sure your survival food provides plenty of nutrition. Variety in your stockpile is also essential, especially in a longer blackout. And make sure the foods you store are ones your family will eat.
Water – You need at least 1½ gallons of water per person per day. One gallon is for drinking and the half-gallon is for cleaning, washing, etc. You should also have a water purification system for your home and smaller water filters for outdoor use.
Before a blackout
The better prepared you are for a blackout, the greater the chance you’ll be able to handle it successfully. Here’s what to do prior to a blackout:
- Put together a supply of emergency food and water for your family. Start with 72 hours’ worth, then build it up.
- Build an emergency kit or bug-out bag. Store your kit in an easily accessible place and let everyone in the house know where it is and what it contains. Consider having an additional emergency kit at your place of business in case a blackout occurs while you’re at work.
- Make a family communications plan and discuss all aspects of it with family members. Do a dry run every few months to make sure everyone is ready to carry out the plan if necessary.
- Follow energy conservation measures to keep the use of electricity as low as possible, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts.
- Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer if there’s room. Leave about an inch of space inside each one, because water expands as it freezes. This chilled or frozen water will help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
- Be aware that most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
- Keep your car tank as full as possible because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. In addition to being your emergency transportation, your car could also be your charging system for your cell phone, and possibly the only heating or air conditioning you’ll have for a while.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it. Garage doors can be heavy, so remember you may need help to lift it.
- Keep a key to your house with you if you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home. Just in case the garage door will not open.
- Get a good supply of cash. Some stores may not be able to process credit card and debit card purchases, and cash machines may not be working.
During a blackout
You’ve already prepared for a blackout, so now you’re ready to deal with it. Here are some recommendations:
- Use only flashlights for emergency lighting. Never use candles during a blackout or power outage due to the risk of fire.
- If you’re using a generator to power any lights, be careful how long you keep them on. If your home is the only one lit up at night, you could become a target.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to make sure your food stays as cold and fresh as possible. Check food carefully for spoilage.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, and electronics that were in use when the power went out. They could be damaged if power returns with a momentary surge or spike.
- Leave one electrical item on – such as a light – so that you’ll know when your power returns.
- Don’t call 9-1-1 to gain information about the power situation. Use it only to report life-threatening emergencies.
- If it’s hot outside when the power goes off, go to the lowest level of your home. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty. Keep window blinds and curtains closed to keep the heat out.
- Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh, cool water, and anything else they need for their survival and comfort.
- If it’s cold outside when the power goes out, wear layers of clothing. Don’t use your oven as a source of heat. Open window blinds and curtains during the day to let sunshine in.
- Fill the bathtub with water, as your faucet water flow may decrease or stop entirely over time. Duct tape the drain so that water does not leak out. Fill other containers with water as well, such as buckets.
After a blackout
Once power is restored, here are some tips:
- Throw out any food that has been exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more hours. Same thing for any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, toss it out.
- Don’t use taste – or even odor or appearance – to determine if your food is still good or not. Food can look and smell OK, but may contain bacteria that causes food-borne illnesses.
- Don’t turn all your appliances back on at once. If everyone does that, it could overtax the grid and result in another regional blackout. Get your air conditioning or heat back on first, then wait 10 or 15 minutes before starting up other items or appliances you may need.
- If the water from your faucet has not been running, but now it’s working again, don’t drink from it right away. Let it run for a while and listen to local broadcasts or contact your local health department to find out if a nearby water source has been compromised during the blackout. Water purification systems usually rely on electricity, so they might not be working properly during a blackout.
Being prepared = self-reliance
People who have not prepared for an emergency will struggle with a temporary blackout and fall apart in a medium-length blackout.
But if you have fully prepared, a temporary blackout will be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. And a medium-length blackout will be one you can handle with some determination.
A long-term blackout will be a huge challenge for everyone. But you’ll be a leg up on everyone else if you are fully prepared with your power, food, and water needs.
How to Choose a Better Flashlight
Recently a friend told me she didn’t think she needed a flashlight because she has a light on her smart phone.
I would agree with her only if two conditions were true. One would be that light is the only thing you need a flashlight for. And two would be that using the light on your cellphone would not wear down its battery.
In other words, I disagree with her 100%. A flashlight should serve a variety of purposes – not just supply light – and using the light on a cellphone does indeed wear down the battery.
A phone is a survival tool, but not for the light it provides. It’s not a multi-tool. And if you drop your phone while using it as light, it could cost you much more money than if you dropped a sturdy tactical flashlight.
Standard flashlights haven’t changed much
Today I want to tell you why a tactical flashlight is far superior to both a regular flashlight and your cellphone light. And how it could help you in a variety of everyday and survival situations.
We’ve all probably used a standard flashlight. Many still require big batteries and they still turn on the same way and weigh about the same.
These basic everyday flashlights are handy when you’re looking for something under a couch. Or when you’re trying to find something in a dark closet.
Standard flashlights are usually constructed from inexpensive aluminum or cheap plastic and low-grade steel. Many don’t last too long.
A wide variety of devices
Among the flashlights we see today are incandescent bulb flashlights, LED flashlights, and high-intensity discharge flashlights. Plus pressurized gas flashlights, solar-powered flashlights, and headlamp flashlights.
As well as shake flashlights, USB-charging flashlights, and utility flashlights. And heavy-duty flashlights and work flashlights.
They all have their place, and some are more effective than others. A high-intensity discharge flashlight, for example, can deliver a very bright light due to an electrical current running through a ball of ionized gas.
A shake flashlight turns on by shaking it. It’s powered by magnets that cause a reaction to produce light. A headlamp flashlight is ideal for shining light on something while using both hands to work.
Tactical flashlights rule
Tactical flashlights look and feel much different. They’re more durable and weather-resistant.
And they feature a variety of settings, such as strobe and SOS. Once you get used to a tactical flashlight, you’ll probably never use a standard flashlight again.
Most tactical flashlights are made with a higher grade of aluminum and are armor-coated. Normally they are lighter in weight than basic flashlights. And they can resist shocks, corrosion, and whatever the weather throws at them.
The average standard flashlight gives you about 10 feet of brightness. That’s approximately 100 lumens. Tactical flashlights provide brightness to about 50 feet. And they give you visibility up to about 100 yards.
What to look for
Here’s what I look for in a tactical flashlight:
- Ultra-bright LED flashlight
- Solar panel
- Power bank
- SOS light and strobe
- Work light
- Seatbelt/rope splitter
- Glass-breaking hammer
- Compass
- Magnet
- Lightweight
- Anti-slip handle
- Adjustable wrist strap
Could a tactical flashlight save your life?
A tactical flashlight is not only superior to a regular flashlight. It could also save your life. Here are 6 ways that could happen.
Spotting danger in the darkness. If you find yourself walking in a dark area – due to a power outage or if you’re camping in the woods – a flashlight is a big help for finding your way and avoiding pitfalls. You might even spot a human with bad intent or an animal looking for its next meal.
Escaping from a hazard zone. If there were a chemical spill near where you live and the power were knocked out, a flashlight might be the only tool at your disposal to help you get out of the region quickly and safely. The same with dealing with a fire, flood, earthquake, or other disaster.
Signaling for help. If you get lost in the wilderness or stranded somewhere, you could use a flashlight to signal for help. Especially if your flashlight has a built-in SOS component or a strobe function to it. Light carries a long distance and can attract attention.
Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. But some of us don’t have immediate access to a weapon when we’re out and about. A flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker to allow an escape, while its barrel can be used for a counterattack.
A vehicle breakdown. If you have to get out of your vehicle after pulling off to the side of the road, your hazard lights should help other drivers see your car. But they won’t help you see what’s going on under the hood. A flashlight will help you change a tire or light your way if you have to abandon the car.
Charging a cellphone for an emergency call. If your cellphone is dead and you need to make a call for help, some tactical flashlights will enable you to charge it. That phone call could allow you to escape a very dangerous situation.
Everybody needs a flashlight. And several of them are much better than having just one. But make sure you have tactical flashlights because they can do so much more.
Why settle for anything less?
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