Emergency Lighting Options Compared

Headlamps, lanterns, flashlights, candles and light sticks compared for safety, battery types and runtime planning during a power outage.

When the lights go out, you want light that is safe, hands-free where it matters and lasts as long as the outage does. No single type does everything, which is why most households end up with a small mix. This guide compares the main options and explains how to plan batteries and runtime. It does not name a best brand. For product ideas, see our headlamps and lanterns guide.

Headlamps

A headlamp keeps both hands free, which is ideal for cooking, carrying a child, checking a fuse box or walking at night.

• Strengths: hands-free, light, compact, often with a low mode and a red mode.
• Weaknesses: a small beam, not great for lighting a whole room, and awkward for some children.
• Best for: tasks and moving around.

Lanterns

A battery or rechargeable LED lantern spreads light in all directions, so it works as a room light on a table.

• Strengths: wide light, stands on a table, safe for a shared living area, many have a dimmer.
• Weaknesses: bulkier, and the very bright modes use batteries quickly.
• Best for: a family space or kitchen. Use low mode to stretch battery life.

Flashlights

A flashlight throws a focused beam, which suits looking outside, checking the basement or signalling.

• Strengths: long reach, simple, sturdy.
• Weaknesses: you need a hand, and a narrow beam is poor for reading or cooking.
• Best for: one per adult, kept in a known place.

Candles

Candles are cheap and familiar, but they are the riskiest choice. Fires started by candles are a real hazard in outages, especially with children and pets around.

• Use only in a stable holder on a flat, non-flammable surface, away from curtains, paper and bedding.
• Never leave a candle burning unattended or when you go to sleep.
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Prefer battery LED "candles" where possible.

Oil, kerosene and propane lamps also need great care. Fuel-burning lamps can produce carbon monoxide and must only be used as the manufacturer states, with ventilation. Read carbon monoxide safety in a power outage first.

Light sticks

Chemical light sticks need no battery and no flame. They give dim light, last for a limited time once activated and cannot be switched off.

• Strengths: no fire risk, waterproof, handy for kids, marking steps or finding the bathroom at night.
• Weaknesses: weak light, single use, and poor for tasks.
• Best for: backup and night markers. Check the shelf life on the packaging.

Battery types and storage

• Alkaline batteries are common and widely available, and store well, but can leak if left in devices for years.
• Lithium disposable batteries generally handle cold better and store for a long time. Check what your device allows.
• Rechargeable cells and built-in batteries work well if you can recharge them, for example from a power station or solar panel. Top them up regularly, because they slowly discharge.

Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place, in their packaging or a case, so terminals do not touch metal objects. Do not mix old and new, or different types, in one device. Consider removing batteries from lights you do not use often. Cold weather reduces battery performance, so keep spares warm in winter.

Plan your runtime

Printed runtimes on packaging are measured under test conditions, often on the lowest setting. Your real use will differ.

1. Estimate hours of light per night. For example, 4 to 6 hours across the household.
2. Multiply by the number of days you want to cover, such as three for the 72-hour plan.
3. Compare that with the runtime for the mode you will actually use, and add a spare set of batteries for each device.
4. Use low settings and switch lights off when you do not need them.

See more in the heat and light hub.

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