Light plays an important role on our emotional well being. When there is no light our minds can get overly active and in a crisis, situation darkness can feed our fears. Lights allow us to prepare meals, read, work, and feel safe when the sun goes down. Some Hurricane Sandy victims were without power for 13 days. Hurricane Katrina victims were without power for 23 days. Do you have backup emergency lights for a power outage situation?

There are several factors to take into account when determining what emergency light source you prefer: cost, brightness, safety, length of usefulness, etc. Every Prepper’s situation is different so the best source of light during a power outage will vary from person to person. Below is a list of 8 emergency lights to consider when preparing for power outages.

Best Emergency Lights for a Power Outage

1. Kerosene Lamp

Longevity: approximately 225 hrs for 100 ozs of kerosne oil

Safety: produces carbon monoxide gas, potential fire hazard

Pros: about 37 lumens (brightness), adjustable brightness, produces heat

Cons: odor, co detector & fire extinguisher needed, keep out of children’s reach



2. Candle (6-Inch Column Unscented Emergency Candle)

Longevity: 55 hours

Safety: produces carbon monoxide gas, potential fire hazard

Pros: about 15 lumens (brightness), produces heat

Cons: co detector & fire extinguisher needed, keep out of children’s reach



3. LED Lantern

Longevity: 12 – 20 hours on the lowest setting— —-

Safety: relatively safe

Pros: 240 lumens (brightness), 5 charging modes

Cons: Rechargeable batteries can lose the ability to recharge over time



4. Luci Solar Lantern (my favorite for kids)

Longevity: approximately 6 – 7.5 hours on the highest setting

Safety: relatively safe

Pros: up to 65 lumens, renewable, charge indicator, water resistant,

—- — — — adjustable brightness, compact, versatile, inexpensive

Cons: needs to charge in sunlight 6 – 8 hours

See full review and photos here

5. Power-out Detection LED Light Bulb

Longevity: 3-4 hours

Safety: relatively safe

Pros: 500 lumens (brightness), turns on when power outage is detected

Cons: Rechargeable batteries can lose the ability to recharge over time



6. Emergency Power Failure LED Light (my favorite)

Longevity: approximately 8-16 hours

Safety: relatively safe

Pros: 60-120 lumens (brightness), adjustable brightness, turns on when power outage is detected

Cons: Rechargeable batteries can lose the ability to recharge over time

See full review and photos here

7. Emergency Nightlight/Flashlight

Longevity: flashlight on high approximately 3.5 hours

Safety: fire hazard potential (check amazon reviews)

Pros: 25 lumens (brightness), automatically turns on when power goes out

Cons: easy to break, keep out of children’s reach,

— – – –main source of power is electricity unless you stock up on unique battery

8. LED Mini 3-AAA Flashlight

Longevity: over 144 hours/ 6 days (using Rayovac batteries)

Safety: relatively safe

Pros: about 30 lumens (brightness), compact, lightweight, weather resistant

There are many things you can do to prepare for a power outage. Check out a to-do list here.







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What are your favorite lights for a power outage?

Originally posted in April of 2014. Updated 6/23/2019.