Safety Tip for Low Light Situations

By Mary L. Smith

It is essential for seniors to be observant when away from home. Noting people lurking in grocery aisles, self-service gas stations, parking lots is a common safety measure. However, to scan the area before venturing into public places is doubly important at dusk or in the evening.  

The LED Flashlight Solution

A helpful tool in low light situations is an LED flashlight. It comes in various sizes and is used by the police and military to get a leg up on the enemy. When flashed into the eyes of an intruder, this extraordinary light blinds the person momentarily. A few seconds doesn’t sound like much, but it’s enough time to punch 911 and run for safety—if you are able—or scream for help, unlock the car, get in, and lock the offending party out—if you’re not.

One retail website, www.flashlightz.com, offers a variety of LED flashlights that run off two AA batteries. Costs start as low as $18.00 for a smaller flashlight and run as high as $89.90 for the high-end model. www.egear.com offers a variety of LED products.

Customers that seek a well-tested product might try a company like SureFire.  Since 1984, SureFire LLC has provided government and military alike with reliable products for low light situations.  A powerful, LED model, the G2 LED, is available for $65.  Though it is compact (pocket-sized), it is still powerful enough to temporarily blind an attacker, and the battery life lasts up to 12 hours.  To investigate or purchase the G2 LED, just visit www.surefire.com, or call 1-800-828-8809 for customer service.

I carry my LED flashlight with me always.  There is nothing like a well-lit path for defense to stave off accidents and assaults.