Had a minor bug-in a couple of weeks ago with an ice storm. Hit on Friday night, so I basically just slept late on Saturday and hibernated.

Comment on one handy item:

We were without power on Saturday night. I had flashllights, oil lamp and candles enough to light up the neighborhood along with a fire in the fireplace, but I also have children.

When it is pitch black in the house you need some way to get around, but do not need to leave a candle or lamp burning unattended. (A house fire makes plenty of light, but really more than I needed. )

Anyway, I activated a Cyalume Lightstick. Just about the same brightness as a night light. Left it in the hallway just outside the kids room all night. No heat, No flames, Kids can take it to bathroom. Very safe method of supplying that little bit of light you need to keep from triping over something and breaking your neck.

A few lightsticks are good to have around the house along with other brighter light sources. (Also a good nightlight around a campsite when you are camping with kids.) A little expensive if you only want light for a few minutes, but as cheap as batteries if you want all night.