Many people have experiences blackouts. Some consider them an annoying interruption, often accompanied by some sort of disaster, such as a hurricane or snowstorm. To others, it is a peaceful respite from a normally hectic life. Whatever your opinion, it is still necessary to prepare for them. One should normally wait a minute or two after the lights shut off before acting, as they may turn on again.

Depending on your needs, and the nature or the disaster which caused the blackout, your priorities may be different. Even before hooking up your generator, if you are lucky enough to have one, and enough gas to run it, often, what is needed first of all is lightning. Usually this will be in the form of flashlights or electric camping lanterns. Both of these use batteries quickly, and bulbs do not last long. The best and most efficient of these are also the most expensive.

LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes, are the newest generation of flashlights, and not only last longer than their conventional counterparts, but shed more light, providing a less stressful environment for your eyes, and may also give you a chance to read. Furthermore, they are waterproof to a certain degree.

Other types of flashlights such as those you shake, crank, or charge in the sun are just gadgets and should not be relied on in an emergency.

Then, there are more primitive forms of lighting, mostly involving fire. The most common, but also the most dangerous of these are candles.  Candles are cheap, easily found at any 99 cent store, or at an after Christmas sale. Those enclosed in glass are the safest, as once abruptly moved they extinguish themselves.  Despite this there are many hazards with candles, and they should always be paid attention too. Candlesticks are the most dangerous of these as, if they tip over, they will continue burning.  In regards to oil lamps, many large stores sell small 24-hour oil lamps cheaply, these are as safe as pillar candles due to their wide shape will not fall over easily.