How often do you use a flashlight at home? Probably almost never. But when the power suddenly goes out, light becomes one of the most valuable things in your house.
Your first instinct might be: “No problem — my smartphone has a flashlight.”
And that's true. Modern phones have excellent built-in flashlights. For example, a Samsung S20 with a full battery can run its flashlight for up to 154 hours. That’s more than enough to cover a 72-hour emergency.
Even with only 10% battery left, you can still get several hours of light — enough for short trips to the kitchen, bathroom, or pantry.
So, do you need to buy a separate flashlight?
Not necessarily.
But here’s the catch — depending on one single source of light is never smart.
When your phone battery dies, you lose:
- your flashlight
- your communication
- your emergency tool
- your connection to information
That’s why a well-prepared home should have multiple lighting options, each with its own purpose.
1. Your Smartphone: Great, but Not Enough
A phone flashlight is perfect for quick, short tasks.
But in a longer power outage, you don’t want to waste precious battery.
Smart tips:
- Keep your phone charged.
- Have at least one power bank ready.
- Use your phone’s light only when truly needed.
- Switch to airplane mode to conserve battery.
2. A Compact, Energy-Efficient Flashlight
You don’t need an expensive “tactical” model.
A simple, energy-efficient flashlight is more than enough, especially if it runs on common batteries.
Why it helps:
- It saves your phone battery.
- It gives steady, directional light.
- It works even when your phone is dead.
3. LED Lanterns: Hands-Free Lighting for Rooms
Lanterns provide soft, broad light — ideal during longer blackouts.
Perfect for:
- cooking
- reading
- washing up
- navigating the house with kids
Choose battery-powered or rechargeable lanterns. They’re safe, practical, and long-lasting.
4. Oil Lamps: A Reliable, Old-School Backup
Oil lamps are one of the most underrated emergency tools.
Benefits:
- They work without electricity or batteries.
- They provide hours of steady light.
- They illuminate an entire room.
Just remember:
- Use lamp oil (odorless if possible).
- Keep lamps away from children and pets.
- Never leave them unattended.
In long emergencies, they can be a lifesaver — especially when all batteries are gone.
5. Candles: Simple, Cheap, and Always Useful
Candles are the oldest backup light source in the world — and they still work perfectly.
They are ideal for:
- lighting small rooms
- calm light during the evening
- emergency backup when everything else fails
Tip:
Tea lights are great for short bursts.
Long candles are better for hours of light.
6. Solar-Powered Lights
Solar lanterns and garden lights can be charged during the day — for free — and brought indoors at night.
They’re slow to charge but incredibly useful in multi-day power outages.
Why You Need Multiple Light Sources
A phone flashlight alone is not a survival plan.
Batteries die. Chargers break. Power banks run out.
When you have several types of light — electric, battery-powered, oil, and solar — you’re prepared for any scenario.
Light gives you:
- safety
- the ability to move around
- the ability to cook
- comfort for children
- visibility for small tasks
- reduced risk of injury
Being prepared with light alternatives isn’t fear-based — it’s responsible.
For You and Your Family
Good preparedness doesn’t mean buying expensive gear. It means choosing simple, practical, reliable tools that actually work.
Want to know what your home is missing?
Download the free checklist from Youprepit — based on government guidelines and easy to customize for your household.