Favorite Lighting Options During A Blackout

Each year we experience at least one power outage, usually due to a windstorm or snowstorm. During these outages we use several different options for lighting. With our recent power outage being a bit longer than normal, we thought it would be useful to give a brief description here of the pros and cons of some of our favorites with the hope that it will either 1) remind you to check your alternative lighting sources and make sure they are ready for use or 2) encourage you to prepare a backup lighting plan if you do not already have one.

First, let us say that it is a good idea to have a mix of options- battery, solar, and low-tech. This enables you to have lighting if something goes wrong with one of your other options. Many will tell you that "two is one and one is none" or that "three is one and one is none." This is a simple reminder that having only one source (of light or anything else) can be catastrophic if that one source fails to work. Backups are essential.

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Flashlights

Flashlights are an easy, portable, and relatively safe lighting option. We keep several flashlights in easy-to-access places. These allow us to quickly locate a light during an unexpected power outage. Flashlights have many options. Battery operated flashlights are easy to find, but require you to store extra batteries in case yours run low during a power outage. Kinetic and solar are other options. We have a small kinetic crank flashlight that I keep on my bedstand. While not super bright, it has worked really well for the past ten years. These days most cell phones have a flashlight feature, ensuring that most people with a cell phone have a flashlight as well.

Pros - flashlights are typically small and easy to store. They offer great targeted lighting to guide you to your other lighting options, to help you locate items in a cupboard, to illuminate a work area, etc.

Cons - Most flashlights require you to hold them, thus tying up one of your hands. Battery operated flashlights require you to store extra batteries. Once the batteries are dead, the flashlight is useless. Solar flashlights require sunlight to recharge, which may be a challenge during the dark days of winter. 

Oil Lamps

Oil lamps are one traditional lighting option. You can use different fuels for your lamp (just don't mix them). Kerosene is one option that is widely known due to references in books and movies about the Old West. Liquid paraffin is a superior modern option. Liquid paraffin claims to be smoke and odor free, without the soot and pollutants found in kerosene. Best of all, paraffin is said to keep indefinitely when stored properly, making it an ideal preparedness option for your lamps. We have stored paraffin oil for years in sealed containers without it degrading.




Pros - Oil lamps give off heat as well as light. In the case of a power outage during the winter, this is a definite benefit. They offer a soft, warm light, unlike the cold LED lights that can irritate more sensitive people.

Cons - Oil lamps present a fire risk. If you use them, be sure to handle them properly and monitor them closely. Do not leave them next to curtains or other items that can catch fire. Place them on a level surface where they cannot be easily tipped over. If you have small children, be sure to place the lamp where they cannot reach it.

Candles

Candles have been around for centuries. They provide a soft, warm light and help create a comforting atmosphere. Tapers are one of my favorite candles for prepping because they offer a lot of light for their size. I prefer beeswax because they are all natural and emit a soft, sweet fragrance without the use of harmful artificial ingredients. We keep several candle holders around the house, always with a candle ready to light. 

Pros - Candles give off heat as well as light. In the case of a power outage during the winter, this is a definite benefit. They offer a soft, warm light, unlike the cold LED lights that can irritate more sensitive people.

Cons - Any open flame will increase the risk of fire. If you use candles, be sure to handle them properly and monitor them closely. Do not leave them next to curtains or other items that can catch fire. Consider looking into a candle lantern, which gives you the benefit of candles, and yet has a cover to protect the open flame.

Inflatable Solar Lamps

We have a few Luci lights that we love. Luci lights are rechargeable, inflatable solar lanterns. They store flat but can be easily inflated when needed. We put one of these in each bathroom during a power outage. They light up each room nicely and can be turned on and off with the push of a button. We bought our first Luci lights over nine years ago and they are still going strong. Since then, the company has broadened the options available. They now offer different models with more features such as a USB charger and colored lighting. 

Pros - Inflatable solar lanterns do not take up much space when stored flat, making them an ideal choice for homes with limited storage. They are rechargeable, making them perfect for any home, car, or camp box.

Cons - Solar lanterns require sunlight to re-charge. This can be a challenge during dark winter days. 

Headlamps

We don't use headlamps that often, but their use can be unparalleled when you need your hands free to work. Whether fixing the generator or reading a book, a headlamp can be just the right light for the job. As with flashlights, most of these require batteries. In a prolonged power outage, this can be a challenge if you don't have enough batteries or once the batteries you do have are dead.

Pros - Headlamps allow you to hold a light and still use both of your hands. This can be invaluable if you are fixing something or carrying a child in one hand and anything else in the other. They also allow you to hold a book and read easily by the light of the headlamp.

Cons - Depending on the kind of headlamp, it can be challenging to find replacement batteries. 

Lanterns

There are many kinds of lanterns, most of which are used for area lighting:

Candle - We have a UCO Candlelier candle lantern. It holds up to three dripless candles at a time and comes with a handle for easy portability and a glass mantle to protect the flame. It puts off a lot of heat as well as a good amount of light. It has a flat metal top designed to hold and heat a small mug filled with your favorite warm drink. These are fabulous for both extra light and added heat. I love that you can purchase beeswax candles that fit the lanterns for a non-toxic candle option.

Battery - Battery lanterns are easy to use but require storing extra batteries in case your batteries lose their charge at a crucial time. In a long-term power outage they will be helpful, but only as long as replacement batteries can be found.

Kinetic - Crank lanterns are a good option for a rechargeable lantern that is not solar. Many of them require that you keep the battery properly cared for or it can lose its ability to store a charge, so be sure to read about how to properly care for and maintain your lantern.

Gas - Propane and butane lanterns are well known among the camping community. These tend to put off a bright light that is perfect for lighting up a large area. These require you to store fuel canisters to be able to use them in any emergency.

Pros - Lanterns can easily be carried from one place to another. They offer portable lighting and often illuminate a fairly large area.

Cons - The cons depend on the type of lantern. Candle lanterns carry a fire danger, battery lanterns only work if you have the batteries, gas lanterns only work if you have fuel canisters, and kinetic lanterns require attention to proper battery maintenance.


Overall, we use candles and oil lamps the most for area lighting, solar lamps for bathroom lighting, and flashlights to move from one room to another (if needed). We find value in each type of lighting and are grateful to have a variety from which to choose.


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