Flashlights

Led flashlights and other emergency lighting sources

Being prepared in the event of a disaster requires that you have the proper equipment in place ahead of time. A high-quality, reliable flashlight can help during the critical first hours or even first days after a catastrophe strikes.

Modern flashlights are generally small and efficient. The first decision to make when selecting a flashlight for your disaster kit is whether you want one with an incandescent bulb or an LED. Flashlights with traditional incandescent bulbs are generally less expensive and the light beam tends to have a greater intensity and range, but incandescent bulbs are prone to breakage, use up batteries quickly and burn out after just a few hours of use. In contrast, LED flashlights are many times more efficient in terms of battery life, and they last for 10,000 hours or longer.

The next consideration when choosing the best flashlight for your disaster kit is the kind of batteries it requires. AA, AAA, C and D cell-batteries are all readily available, but lithium batteries can be a bit harder to find. Rechargeable flashlights either use rechargeable batteries, or they have a built-in mechanism by which they can be charged without a conventional battery; often, this mechanism involves shaking the flashlight or winding a crank. This no-battery-required flashlight is generally more expensive, but it can be a good fit with a disaster kit since you won't have to worry about supplying specific batteries or replacing batteries periodically as they wear out.

Waterproof flashlights are available but should be treated with caution, as they are generally not designed for submersion in water. "Splashproof" is actually a better designation for this type of flashlight.

Why Is an Emergency Flashlight Important in a Disaster Kit?

  • Flashlights can serve as signaling devices in emergency situations.
  • An emergency flashlight provides light when electrical power fails.

Things to Consider When Buying an Emergency Flashlight

  • Is a flashlight with an incandescent bulb or one with an LED the best choice for my disaster kit?
  • What type of batteries does the flashlight require, and how many does it need?

Top Flashlight Brands

  • Maglite flashlights
  • Pelican flashlights
  • Streamlight flashlights
  • Surefire flashlights