7 Best Emergency Lights That Will Keep You Safe In Any Situation

‍The last time the power went out, I struggled to find a working light. Right then, I decided never to do that again, ever. What are the best emergency lights?

The best emergency lights that can keep a family safe in any situation are -

• Best Overall: Etekcity LED Camping Lantern
• Best for Smart Lights: TFOI Rechargeable Emergency LED Light Bulbs
• Best Nightlight/flashlight: Eton Blackout Buddy Emergency
• Best Rechargeable Flash Light: Streamlight Survivor
• Best LED Flashlight: OLight Warrior LED Flashlight
• Best Solar Emergency Light: LuminAID PackLite Nova USB Solar Lantern
• Best Light For Large Area: LE LED Camping Lantern

Whether it is an extreme weather event, like a hurricane, tornado or flood, or something more sinister, no one can predict when the electrical grid might fail. I discovered that the other night when a local squirrel blew out the transformer on our block, chewing on a wire, he shouldn’t have. Even though I’m smart enough to keep a few candles handy, what I discovered is that candles weren’t enough. I knew that as soon as the power returned, I needed to make a trip to the hardware store and pick up some emergency lighting.

‍What Are the Seven Best Emergency Lights For Any Situation?

Here are our choices for the best emergency lights to keep a family safe in any situation.

Best Overall: Etekcity LED Camping Lantern

This little powerhouse lantern is equipped with 30 LED bulbs and produces light in a 360-degree radius. The lumination level is 140 lumens per unit, enough to see your way around a kitchen. The lantern is small and collapsible, easily stored or transported in a backpack. Three AA batteries power it.

The unit has a couple of unique features. I loved the fact that the power switch is integrated into the expanding surface. Simply pull, and the light is illuminated, and compress it for the light to go off. In addition, there is a small storage compartment for keys or valuables at the base of the lantern.

Etekcity makes a variety of home goods that are designed to ease the frustrations of savvy homeowners. This company has grown to handle everything from phone-operated doorbell video cameras to robot vacuums to HEPA air purifiers and small kitchen supplies. The great thing is not just that Etekcity’s products are functional; they look great, too.

The company has won numerous design and innovation awards for its products. The company is #5 in e-commerce in the United States. Amazon rates these camping lanterns a 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 21,000 reviews. This lantern is the number one seller for Amazon, which is saying something.

Features

• Collapsible on/off - easy to use
• Sold in 4 pack
• 140 lumens
• Battery powered
• 360-degree lighting
• Storage Compartment at the base of the unit

Pros

• Convenient handles - can be hung a fixture
• Battery Powered
• Storage Compartment at base
• Very Inexpensive
• 4 - pack

Cons

• I wish they were brighter, but with four of them, it’s adequate.

Check out the manufacturer’s website or see the product on Amazon for Today’s Price.

Best for Smart Lights: TFOI Rechargeable Emergency LED Light Bulbs

With the advent of intelligent devices in our homes, one of the first areas to be considered was how to keep the lights working despite a power outage. The solution ended up being a smart bulb which works as a standard bulb during the day, but draws on a battery reserve to illuminate for 4-5 hours during a power outage.

Smart bulbs and other smart devices have grown in complexity, so almost everything in our homes can be tied to a central hub, iPad, or smartphone. Some bulbs can sense changes in their environments and respond accordingly.

These bulbs are rechargeable. They come with holder hooks for transport if needed and screw into sockets like ordinary bulbs. The four-pack amounts to about the same lighting as an 80W light, so plenty of light to illuminate a small room or dining table. As more and more homes become smart homes, these kinds of bulbs are becoming more prevalent. These bulbs cost a bit more than regular ones, but they last longer and are considered a better value.

Features

• Rechargeable
• Screw into a normal socket
• Dont have to scrounge around - the bulb reacts off of wifi
• 80 W equivalent
• It comes in a four-pack
• Better Value than a standard bulb

Pros

• Work like regular bulbsConvenient handles - can be hung a fixture
• Can Be controlled through phone or central hub
• I loved 4 - pack
• No fuss, just replace existing bulbs

Cons

• I wish they were cheaper

For more information, check out Amazon to see Today’s Pricing.

Best Nightlight - Flashlight: Eton Blackout Buddy Emergency

In my house, I can never find a flashlight when I need one. So, this little unit has solved that issue. Just plug it into the hallway, and let the kids use it as a nightlight. Then in an emergency, locate it (it lights up when power is out), and use it as a flashlight. This little contraption is so dual-purposed that it makes sense to have one in every bedroom. It also has a motion activation sensor to help illuminate the way to the bathroom for little feet should you wish not to use the nightlight function.

The Blackout Buddy features a swivel head that allows the nightlight or flashlight to be turned in any way needed. The rechargeable battery pack lasts about four hours. The Amazon rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars, and it is a top choice by Amazon for handheld flashlights.

Eton specializes is emergency preparedness and works with major organizations like the American Red Cross to supply radios, hand crank generators to charge cellphones, and other emergency items. The company was founded in 1986 and specializes in satellite radios and other items.

Features

• Plugs into a normal wall socket
• Lights up when power goes out
• Use as a flashlight or nightlight
• Swivel head for directional light

Pros

• Multi settings flashlight or nightlight
• It comes on when the power goes out
• Rechargeable - easy to carry
• Well-reviewed

Cons

• Not waterproof

For more information, check out the manufacturer’s website or Amazon for Today’s Price.

Best Rechargeable Flash Light: Streamlight Survivor

This unit is a very durable flashlight that is used by first responders. It is durable, able to handle abuse, and is very bright at a high setting = 175 lumens (the high setting lasts for 3.5 hours) or a low setting of 60 lumens (13.5 hours). The flashlight has four lighting settings including a flash. It operates off of AA batteries, and comes with a charging base. A molded clip allows for the unit to be hooked to a belt or clothing so that hands can be freed to do other things. The unit is waterproof and has been impact resistance tested.

The flashlight is offered at the Firestore.com, a Witmer Public Safety Group division. The company is based out of Pennsylvania and specializes in lots of public safety equipment.

Features

• Durable under harsh conditions
• Waterproof
• A very high intense beam
• Clip-on attaches to clothing
• Swivel head for directional light
• It lasts 13.5 hours on low setting

Pros

• Multi settings
• Durable and waterproof
• Well-reviewed

Cons

• Needs charging station

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website or Amazon for Today’s Price.

Best LED Flashlight: OLight Warrior LED Flashlight

This bright LED flashlight is an Amazon bestseller. Sturdy and compact with a pocket clip, This flashlight puts out 2300 lumens and projects over 300 meters. The battery is rechargeable with a charging cable. The easy grip handle allows for easy transportation, with activation switches on the side and another on the end for tactical support measures. There are six modes and a dimming feature when high or strobe is selected, so dim when it shines on other people around. This is an excellent light for camping and any other outdoor activity.

OLIGHT specializes in light accessories for tactical use (with guns), hunters, and first responders. The company is headquartered out of China, with American operations in Georgia. They have been in business since 2007 and are a prominent player in the emergency lighting business.

Features

• Durable
• Strong LED output
• Clip-on attaches to clothing
• Several modes
• Rechargeable Battery and base

Pros

• Multi settings
• Durable
• Easy to Carry
• Bestseller on Amazon
• Has clothing or jacket clip

Cons

• Not made in the USA

For more information, see Amazon for Today’s Price.

Best Solar Emergency Light: LuminAID PackLite Nova USB Solar Lantern

The is a very novel light that when not in use, collapses to about 2 inches. When expanded, the light gives off 75 lumens through LED lights, and includes a top strap so that it can be hung from a backpack or chandelier fixture. It charges in 10 hours of direct sunlight or 1-2 hours with a micro USB cord. The light in turbo mode lasts for 24 hours. The unit is waterproof, but it also floats, and it is very durable. This light would make it perfect in an emergency involving water, storm or hurricane. The lantern provides a charging station for cellphones as well.

LuminAid can to fruition based on the brainstorming of two architecture students who wanted to engineer an emergency light that could be used in disaster relief. Spurred by the devastating earthquake in Haiti that saw mass casualties, they recognized the need for a powered lantern that first responders and rescue workers could use. In addition, many homes were without power for months following the tragedy. The unit also works for homes off of the electrical grid.

Features

• Durable
• Strong LED output
• Inflatable - collapses to about 1 - 2 inches
• Can put in pocket.
• Several modes
• Rechargeable USB cord or in direct sunlight

Pros

• Multi settings
• Durable - waterproof
• Easy to Carry
• Bestseller on Amazon
• Strap for easy hanging

Cons

• Made of polyurethane

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website or Amazon for Today’s Price.

Best Light For Large Area: LE LED Camping Lantern

The lantern that is best for putting out an excessively bright light is this camping lantern from LE (Lighting EVER - a division of Lepro Innovation). The lumens are over 1000 which is very bright, and even at the highest setting, will last for 12 hours. The lantern is battery-powered, lightweight, and waterproof. A solid base allows it to be set on a table for stability, and two metal handles allow it to be hung or carried without issue.

LightingEVER (Lepro) is a company headquartered in Las Vegas, specializing in smart bulbs, and their catalog has a bunch of them in whatever kind of color you want to purchase. However, they also make an excellent camping lantern that is both functional and durable and not that expensive. The only downside is that it requires three D batteries, so a supply of batteries will need to be kept close by, especially if the outage lasts more than a few hours.

The lantern is the Best Choice on Amazon, and has received tens of thousands of positive reviews.

Features

• Durable - puts out a lot of light
• Strong LED output
• Solid Base
• Several modes
• Battery Powered

Pros

• Multi settings
• Durable - waterproof
• Bestseller on Amazon
• Metal Hooks for easy hanging

Cons

• Battery operated

For more information, see the manufacturer’s website or Amazon for Today’s Price.

What Are to Do When Preparing an Emergency Plan?

It is essential to have a prepared action plan before the lights go out. There are some things to consider including in your preparation.

Have a Plan in Place and Make Sure Everyone in the Home Knows It

If the family does not know what to do in an emergency, they will be like scattered sheep. A good plan is to let everyone know where emergency supplies are kept and that should the home need to be vacated (as in a fire), ensure that everyone knows where a secondary meeting place is (neighbor’s porch).

Keep Essential Documents in Waterproof containers that are Easy to Retrieve

I know a family that stores documents like passports, birth certificates, and a small amount of cash in sealed plastic baggies in a briefcase. The case can be grabbed and taken to a shelter or another location in an emergency.