When the earthquake hit,our family of three lived in our apartment on the fourth floor. When we were woken up by the earthquake,there was no electricity and it was pitch black. We tried to move about when the tremors stopped but we could not see, and fallen furniture got in our way. I suddenly remembered that we had a small 10-cm flashlight that we had bought several months ago so that we could use it to clean our one-year old child`s nostrils. Because we used this when our child was asleep, we always had it hanging within easy reach. I fumbled about for it and found it in its usual place on the pilar. Our emergency flashlight was inside a piece of furniture which had fallen over so we could not get at it easily.
I think I was able to act calmly even in such a situation just because I had that that small flashlight. If I hadn`t got that, I would have been in a real panic. (Female,aged 40,Hiasinada Ward)

Because the earthquake struck early in the morning, it was quite a job finding a flashlight in the darkness of the house in the power cut. Now, we have one hanging on a pillar in each room or on the chest of drawers.
(Female,Higasinada Ward)

Fire Deperment Advice
In an earthquake,electricity will be cut and there will be no light. In everyday life, even if all indoor lights are out,you may find it quite light with street lighting and neon signs. However,in an earthquake power cut situation, the enitire city will be cut off from electricity and all lights will be out.
Therefore, there will be extraordinary darkness. You will have to move around in such darkness. A flashlight is therefore a top-priority essential emergency item. Please have one within easy reach.
Also, some alarm clocks,often placed on the bedside,have lights on the clock fasce. This may cast enough light about the room to allow you to move about.