Energizer PRO-260 LED Headlamp
Hands-free light for cooking, resetting a breaker or walking the dog after dark.
Good for: One per person.
See it on Amazon
Base 04 · Light
Outage lighting, in layers
Light is the base people can cover in an afternoon, with a few good lights and spare batteries. It also changes how the whole night feels.
Common gaps
- You are looking for a flashlight in the dark, and the batteries are dead.
- Someone uses candles and the open flame becomes the real hazard.
- You have one light and four people, and no hands left for the task.
Layers
| Layer | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. A light in every pocket and drawer | Small flashlights or a phone with charge | Finding the rest |
| 2. A headlamp each | Hands-free light | Cooking, repairs, walking outside |
| 3. A lantern per room | Area light | Living space and meals |
| 4. Spare power | Extra batteries or a power bank that charges your lights | Longer outages |
Ready.gov’s kit list includes a flashlight and extra batteries. Choose rechargeable lights where you can and keep spare batteries for the rest.
Safety
A battery or rechargeable light avoids the fire risk of open flames. CDC advises using battery-powered flashlights and lanterns rather than candles during an outage. If you do use a candle, put it in a safe holder away from anything that can catch fire, and never leave one burning unattended.
What to buy
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Headlamp | Brightness in lumens, runtime on each setting, battery type, water resistance |
| Lantern | Runtime on low, whether it can charge a phone, how it stands or hangs |
| Spare batteries | The type your lights use, stored in a cool, dry place |
Light picks
Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, SevenBases earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't change what we recommend.
Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flash
A palm-sized lantern and flashlight in one.
Good for: A room light and a pocket light.
See it on AmazonSpec notes for these picks come once we check them against each maker’s page. See every pick on the gear page.
Keep going
Sources: Ready.gov, Build a Kit; CDC, What to Do During a Power Outage (flashlights instead of candles, candle safety).
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