Most outages last a few hours. Some last days. Either way, the first ten minutes decide how the night goes: fumbling in the dark for a flashlight with dead batteries, or calmly switching on a light that's been waiting in the drawer. Here's what we keep ready.
1. One light per person — plus one
The most common mistake is having a single flashlight for the whole house. Aim for one rechargeable light per person and one spare. Headlamps are ideal for kids and for anyone cooking or caring for someone, because they keep hands free. The Halo 230 throws a wide, even light that's easy on the eyes indoors.
2. A room light that runs all night
A flashlight lights a spot. A room light lets the family actually function. Stand a work light on the counter and aim it at the ceiling to bounce soft light around the room. The Fold 360 runs up to 16 hours on low and stands on its own.
3. Lights stored where you'll reach for them
Keep a light in the kitchen drawer, one by the bed, one in the car and one on your keys. A keychain light like the Spark or Sentinel means you're never more than an arm's reach from light.
4. Charged power banks
A 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank can recharge phones and USB lights several times over. Top them up every few months. Bonus: a tiny plug-in light like the Nano turns a power bank into a reading lamp.
5. Water
Plan for about one gallon per person per day for at least three days, including pets.
6. No-cook food and a manual can opener
Canned goods, nut butter, crackers, dried fruit. Don't forget the can opener.
7. First aid and medications
A basic first-aid kit plus a few days of any prescriptions. If anyone depends on powered medical devices, talk to your provider about a backup plan.
8. A battery or hand-crank radio
When cell service is spotty, a radio keeps you informed about restoration times and weather.
9. A simple plan
- Where the lights and kit live (everyone should know).
- How to shut off the main breaker and water.
- Which neighbor checks on whom.
- Keep the fridge closed — food stays cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer, about 48.
Safety notes
- Skip candles where you can — LED lights are safer around kids, pets and curtains.
- Never run a generator or grill indoors or in a garage.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power returns.
Build your kit
Everything we recommend for the drawer, the nightstand and the car is in Home & Emergency. Orders over $75 ship free, so it's easy to put a light in every room.