We have the canned goods, the dry goods, the water filter, the ammo, an emergency trunk filled with everything you can think of—drugs, first aid, lanterns, etc.
But I’m sitting here in the dark for hours after a transformer blew in our small village. Totally failed our dry run. I can’t get the lanterns working. Our batteries seem corrupted and I don’t have the right kind of batteries in some instances. And I need a lantern that uses another kind of energy too.
Big fail! I’m off to Home Depot when the lights come on to truly get prepared. Glad this happened today. I thought we were in good shape. Didn’t make it an hour.
I guess I'm old school. Over 10 years ago, I purchased my first Coleman white gas lantern. Within about a year I had learned to repair and restore them. I've purchased parts and special service tools, even fabricated some tools. At this point, I have over 60 lanterns, stoves, and catalytic heaters. I love it, when the power goes out! It's just another excuse to fire up some lanterns.
Great story! Love this hobby.