Best Emergency Lighting When the Power Goes Out
Losing electricity is one of the most inconvenient things that can happen. Without electricity, you can’t safely navigate your home or office, operate your electronic devices, or use many of your essential appliances. How do you combat these problems in times of emergency?
While you can’t address every nuisance that comes with a blackout, you can have a backup plan when it comes to lighting. Don’t get stuck in the dark without a guiding light; here’s the best emergency lighting when the power goes out to help you prepare.
The Importance of Emergency Preparation
An emergency can strike at any time, no matter where you are. Whether it’s a winter storm knocking out the power lines or a summer hurricane wreaking havoc, you should have adequate tools and supplies to hold you over until the emergency ends.
When it comes to lighting, having a plan is vital. You can’t maneuver around your space safely if you can’t see where you’re going, leaving you and your loved ones at risk of severe injuries. You should have a collection of various lighting alternatives that can sustain through even the longest of power outages.
Possible Lighting Alternatives
If you’re worried about your emergency lighting options, don’t panic just yet. The good thing about lighting is that there are countless resources that will provide you with backup light. The best part is that most of these alternatives are cheap, accessible, and easy to use. Here are the best emergency lighting options for when the power goes out.
Flashlights
Everyone needs a good flashlight on hand to deal with power-related emergencies. In fact, flashlights should be a part of every emergency preparedness kit you’ll ever put together. This lighting alternative works well because it’s portable, battery-powered, and easy to find at almost any store.
Make sure you have enough batteries to run your flashlights. You can even invest in solar-powered flashlights, so you won’t have to rely on external power sources. Most flashlights only have enough power for short-term use, so it’s a good idea to have multiple light sources available, just in case.
Battery-Powered Lights
Many lighting options other than flashlights run on batteries. Battery-powered lanterns, electric candles, and headlamps are all excellent options because they are portable and safe to use. Even children can carry around a battery-operated lantern without worrying about dropping something flammable.
However, there are a few limitations to battery-powered lights that you should know of. Most batteries have a short lifespan, so you’ll likely need an extensive collection if you’re out of power for a while. You can invest in rechargeable batteries, but you will need to charge them before you lose electricity, so keep that in mind.
Solar Lamps
Indoor and outdoor solar lamps might be your saving grace if you find yourself without power. You don’t need batteries or electricity to run these devices, and many hold power for as long as 8 hours. These lighting alternatives are sturdy and come in various sizes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.
Keep in mind that you need sunlight to operate solar lamps. If you’ve lost power at night or in the middle of a storm, it may be challenging to manage these lights. They can also be a bit of an investment, so you’ll have to spend some money if you go down this route.
Candles
If you don’t want to rely on batteries or solar options, candles could be the best option for you. You probably have candles lying around your home right now, and it’s easy to find replacements. Candles smell nice, look good, and you can repurpose them as décor after the blackout ends.
If you decide to use candles as emergency lighting, make sure to place them in a safe location. Keep them away from any flammable material and use candle holders to collect melting wax. Always remember to monitor open flames to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
Hurricane Lanterns
Those native to the coast know how extreme conditions can get during a massive storm. Experts make hurricane lamps out of specialized materials that can withstand top-force winds and harsh conditions. Plus, hurricane lanterns will hold a flame for hours, no matter the external forces acting upon it.
Even if your area isn’t prone to hurricanes, these lamps make an excellent lighting alternative during emergencies. Hurricane lanterns are long-lasting, have easy fuel refill procedures, and are tough enough to provide light through almost any circumstance.
Glow Sticks
When you think about glow-sticks, you probably picture a children’s party instead of appropriate lighting equipment. However, some manufacturers make glow sticks specifically for survival purposes. These aren’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill party bag stuffers; these heavy-duty glow sticks are incredibly bright and will burn for up to 12 hours.
Survival glow sticks come in a variety of colors, sizes, and prices. Some are hand-held, while others have hanging mechanisms so you can wear them around your neck. The best part is that they are affordable and sold at most camping and outdoor retail stores.
Oil Lamps
Finally, you can use oil lamps as a lighting alternative if you ever lose power. Oil lamps are a practical option since you don’t have to worry about burning them down like candles. Instead, you can keep lamp oil on hand so you can refill your lanterns whenever you need to.
Be sure to keep your refillable oil lamps in a well-ventilated area. You will also want to follow the same safety procedures as candles. Make sure to keep them away from flammable objects and monitor the open flame. You should also keep extra wicks on hand to extend the life of your oil lanterns.
You’ll Never Get Lost in the Dark With Firefly Fuel
No matter your needs, we have options to light up your space and guide you through the darkest places. With countless candles, lanterns, lamps, and fuel sources available, we have every you need to get through a blackout with as little pain as possible. Shop our inventory and stock up on wicks, oil, and all of your alternative lighting supplies. You can rest easy knowing that you have everything you need, no matter what comes your way.
