8 of the Best Emergency Lights for a Power Outage

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. The Texas power crisis had millions without power. 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, adjustable brightness, produces heat
Cons:            odor, keep out of children’s reach

Should consider getting these emergency supplies  fire extinguisher, carbon monixide detector & smoke detector. 

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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:         fire extinguisher needed, keep out of children’s reach

Should consider getting these emergency supplies  fire extinguisher, carbon monixide detector & smoke detector. 

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3. LED Lantern (a favorite for power outage and to take camping)
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

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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

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5. Rechargeable Emergency Light Bulb  
Longevity:  3-4 hours
Safety:       relatively safe
Pros:          500 lumens (brightness), work like a regular bulb but also stays                        on when the power goes out.
Cons:         Rechargeable batteries can lose the ability to recharge over time

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6. Emergency Power Failure LED Light (my favorite)

I currently use this LED Light every day and have the setting on nightlight mode. It stays plugged in and automatically turns on when the lights turn off. Then in the event of a power outage, it turns on the brightest setting.

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

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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

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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

Related article: 8 Survival Uses for a Flashlight

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.