Choose Safe Lighting During a Power Outage
Compare battery lanterns and flashlights, place them safely, and store batteries so light is ready when electricity fails.
Match the light to the task
A battery lantern spreads light across a room and can often stand on a table or floor, leaving hands free. A flashlight directs a narrower beam and is useful for checking a fuse panel, moving through a hallway, or finding supplies. A household may benefit from both, but even one reliable light is better than searching for one in the dark.
Think about who will use it. A lantern with a simple switch may be easier for a child or older adult, while a flashlight can be kept beside a bed or near the main exit. Check the instructions for the product's battery type and operating method before an outage.
Place lights where they reduce hazards
Keep a light near sleeping areas and another in a shared space, but choose locations that do not block walking paths. A low table or shelf can keep a lantern stable and away from curtains, bedding, paper, and other items that could fall against it. Do not leave a light where someone is likely to trip over its cord or knock it down.
Use a flashlight when moving through stairs or cluttered areas so the beam can show the path. If someone has limited mobility or vision, discuss where a light should be placed and how they can reach it without help.
Store and check batteries
Keep spare batteries in their packaging or a suitable battery case, following manufacturer guidance. Avoid loose batteries rolling among metal objects, which can damage them or create a short circuit. Check the light and spare batteries periodically, and replace or recharge them as directed.
A simple readiness check might involve turning on each flashlight, confirming the lantern works, and returning the spare batteries to the marked storage spot. If you use rechargeable lights, add their charging method to the household outage plan and recharge them after use.
Make lighting part of the wider plan
Write down where each light is kept and tell household members. Pair that information with the plan for phone charging and utility updates. Ready.gov's outage-preparedness information includes household planning for power disruptions; a light source is one practical part of preparing for them.
Choose a safe light source that household members can operate, keep it accessible, and check it before it is needed. Those small steps make it easier to move around while avoiding open flames and preventable trip hazards.
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