At some point or another, we will all face a power outage of some duration. A local storm may cut the current for a few hours, severe events could cause widespread outages for days or even weeks. More substantial events such as a world war could cause mandated blackouts for even longer. Nuclear war could see the lights off for years. So how do we light up the darkness? Let’s look at the options.
When you really boil it down, there are two types of lighting options, electric and fueled. Electrically powered lights range from mains powered lamps and fixtures likely powered by a generator. While this might be fine for an outage lasting a few hours, it really is a waste of fuel to run a generator to power the 7 or 9 watt LED bulbs most of us use these days. Alternately, they could be powered by a home solar system, but those systems are subject to weather conditions which are often less than optimal during or after a storm due to cloud cover.
Battery operated lights come in all sizes and styles these days. From larger lantern styles to headlamps to single cell mini flashlights, there’s an option for every situation. Limitations are, of course, related to battery availability. When the Duracells run out, so does your lighting. Rechargeable batteries help mitigate that problem if you can generate power to charge them. Some suggest using solar lights designed to light pathways and gardens, but they depend on weather conditions and even a full day in the sun delivers minimal results. Larger solar generators are a better option for charging batteries (as well as electronic devices or power tools).
Rechargeable lights with non removable batteries are also a good option. Chargers are usually integrated and sometimes small solar panels or hand cranks are added for more charging options. My favorite one of this type, the Torch 250 from Goal Zero is pictured above. That model seems to be discontinued, but has been replace with the Torch 500. I have many types of these rechargeable lights and all can be charged with 5 volt USB or 12 volt automotive type power sources. The Goal Zero model also sports a handy 5 volt USB output to charge a cell phone or other small device.
Other than electric lights, there are fuel powered options. Common fuels for lanterns are kerosene, naphtha, and propane. Liquid fueled lanterns such as kerosene and naphtha introduce a danger when it comes to spilled fuel or overturned lanterns. Lighting your house on fire during a SHTF event is counter productive to say the least.
That being said, I do have a collection of kerosene lamps on hand. Some are family heirlooms, some are more recently purchased. They vary in style from small table top lamps to larger lamps with finger loops to help carry them around, to wall mounted models. Aside from the fire hazard, Kerosene is getting expensive, but does seem to store for a long time without degradation. Some users have an issue with smoke and smell. Spare chimneys and wicks are readily available.
Naphtha lanterns like the one pictured above and made famous by Coleman give off a lot of light, and an amount of heat. Being a liquid fuel, they bear the same fire hazard as kerosene lamps. In addition, another disadvantage is that the fuel needs to be pressurized, which requires a few moving parts and degrading seals. These can be purchased, along with mantles and globes, but add an extra expense for parts, not to mention frustration when they go defective at dusk when your trying to light them.
Propane powered lanterns are also readily available along with their spare parts. Usually fitting on top of a 1 lb propane tank, these lanterns aren’t liquid fueled, making them somewhat less prone to accidental fire, but are still hazardous if tipped over. Replacement propane cans can get expensive and are tricky to refill, although that has become possible (at your own risk).
Finally, we get to candles. Available in many sizes and shapes, almost everyone I know has a few candles of some sort in the house. Again, because we are dealing with open flame, there is a fire hazard. Tealight candles in a candle lantern or other holder are safer as the flame is somewhat contained. Taper candles tend to be difficult to hold straight and often tip out of their holders or drip wax all over the place. Pillar candles are much more stable due to their larger base, but should be placed in a contained holder such as a jar or clear vase. Remembrance candles in glass holders can be found at most discount stores.
In the end, I recommend an assortment of all the options. While my go to will always be battery powered or rechargeable lights, I will resort to open flame sources of light if need be. I do avoid naphtha powered lanterns as there seems to be just too much that can go wrong with them.