Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Build your outage lighting kit around three things: a portable flashlight, a second light such as a lantern for shared spaces, and spare batteries that match every device. Store them where everyone can reach them without searching, then adjust the setup for children, older adults, mobility limitations, medical equipment, pets and possible evacuation.
Battery-powered lights are safer than candles during an outage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Red Cross both advise using flashlights or lanterns instead of candles. Neither organization sets a universal lumen output, runtime, battery capacity or number of lights, so the right kit depends on your home and household.
The essential kit: what to gather first
Start with a small, portable kit that works even when the electrical system is completely unavailable. The American Red Cross includes “flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a portable power bank” in its power-outage survival-kit guidance. Lighting is the part you should be able to deploy immediately, before you begin dealing with refrigeration, communications, cooking or medical equipment.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- One portable flashlight: Use it for a directional beam when walking, checking a breaker panel or moving outside.
- One second light for a shared area: A lantern can illuminate a room so people are not each holding a flashlight.
- Correct spare batteries: Keep replacements with the lights and match the battery type and size printed on each device.
- A storage container or dedicated shelf: Group the lights and batteries so they can be found by touch or in poor visibility.
- Optional fixed-location light: An outlet-recharged emergency light can be useful in a hallway or near an exit, but it should supplement—not replace—portable battery lights.
This is a starting arrangement, not a universal quota. A multilevel home, a household with several sleeping areas or anyone who may need assistance moving at night will usually need lights in more than one location.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why outage lighting deserves its own plan
A blackout changes more than the brightness in a room. The Red Cross notes that an outage can interrupt lighting, communication, refrigeration, cooking and medical equipment, and it warns that an outage may last for days or longer. Darkness also makes ordinary hazards—stairs, wet floors, broken glass, open doors and pets underfoot—harder to see.
The CPSC’s 2026 winter-safety release states: “Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles during a power outage.” The Red Cross gives the same direct instruction: “Use flashlights, not candles.” Open flames can ignite curtains, bedding or furniture when people are distracted, tired or moving around in the dark. Treat the lighting kit as a safety tool, not merely a convenience.
In a May 27, 2026 release, CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman said, “Hurricanes and severe storms can turn deadly long after the wind and rain stop.” That warning is relevant to lighting because a storm can leave fallen branches, flooding, damaged wiring or blocked exits after the weather appears to have passed. Keep at least one light available for safe movement and one for checking conditions without relying on candles.
Choose the right mix of light types
Portable directional flashlight
A flashlight concentrates light in the direction you point it. That makes it the practical choice for finding the kit, reading a label, checking a fuse or breaker area, locating a shutoff, walking to another room or inspecting a path outdoors. Look for an on/off control that is easy to identify by touch and a shape that does not roll away.
Portability matters more than a particular output number. No official guidance establishes a required lumen level or runtime. Instead, choose a beam that lets the intended user see the floor, steps and obstacles at the distances found in your home. If the light will be used outside, consider whether the housing and switch can be handled with cold or wet hands, but rely on the manufacturer’s stated specifications rather than assuming weather resistance.
Area lantern
A lantern spreads light around a room and can leave both hands free for preparing food, reading instructions or helping someone transfer from a bed or chair. It is usually a better shared-space light than a narrow beam. Place it on a stable, elevated surface where it cannot be knocked onto the floor, and avoid positioning it where its glare hides steps or reflects directly into eyes.
Compare a lantern’s controls, handle, base stability and battery access. A complicated mode system can be frustrating when people are tired or wearing gloves. If children or older adults may operate it, favor a large, clearly marked control over extra modes they are unlikely to use.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Fixed-location, outlet-recharged emergency light
A plug-in emergency light can act as a signpost. The American Red Cross store listing for the Eton Blackout Buddy Emergency Flashlight/Nightlight, item ARCBBSWIVEL, describes a unit that recharges in an outlet and turns on automatically during a power failure. Those are features stated in the listing, not independent product-test results.
An automatic light may be useful in a hallway, bedroom or near an exit because it can provide an immediate reference point. Its limitation is location and dependence on its stored charge. If it remains plugged in, you cannot assume it will illuminate a remote room, the yard or a route outside. Keep portable battery lights available elsewhere, and test that the device still operates after a long period plugged in.
Match batteries to every device
Spare batteries help only when they fit the light and are usable. Read the marking inside the battery compartment or on the device, then buy replacements in that exact size and chemistry. Do not mix old and new batteries, different chemistries or partially depleted cells in one device unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
Store replacement batteries beside the corresponding light in a dry place, preferably in their original packaging or a nonconductive organizer. Loose batteries can short against coins, keys or other metal objects. Keep them away from heat and moisture, and inspect for leakage or corrosion when you test the kit. Replace any battery that is swollen, damaged or leaking; avoid touching leaked material with bare skin and follow the battery maker’s disposal guidance.
Rechargeable lights can reduce disposable-battery use, but they introduce a charging task. Identify the cable or charger, keep it with the light and verify that the light still works when unplugged. A rechargeable device that is normally left in an outlet is not a substitute for a battery-powered flashlight that can be carried through the home.
Place the kit where people can find it in darkness
Accessibility is a design decision, not an afterthought. Store the main kit near a commonly used entrance or central living area, at a height that household members can reach, and away from a locked cabinet or cluttered drawer. Keep a second light near sleeping areas if someone may wake during an outage. A lantern belongs where people gather; a flashlight belongs where someone may need to travel or inspect something.
Tell every household member the storage locations. During daylight, ask each person to retrieve a light without help. If someone cannot reach, grip or operate the device, move it or choose a different control style. A small tactile marker on the storage container can help a person identify it without turning on a phone screen.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Do not hide all lights in one place. One central kit is easy to maintain, but a blocked hallway, fallen object or person who cannot safely walk to that location can make it inaccessible. Distribute a few lights while keeping their spare batteries together or clearly labeled.
Build the kit step by step
- Map the home. Note bedrooms, stairs, bathrooms, the kitchen, the electrical panel, likely exits and any area where someone may need assistance.
- Assign a light type to each task. Use a flashlight for movement and inspection, a lantern for a shared room and an optional automatic light for a fixed reference point.
- Check every device. Install the correct batteries, operate each switch, inspect the lens and contacts, and confirm that a rechargeable model works away from its outlet.
- Prepare spares. Count the battery compartments, purchase matching replacements and label which batteries belong to which light if sizes differ.
- Choose storage points. Keep the main set accessible, place additional lights near sleeping or high-risk areas and avoid locations that may be blocked by furniture or stored items.
- Teach the plan. Show children and adults where the lights are, how to turn them on and when to ask for help. Explain that candles are not the backup option.
- Write a simple outage card. List the kit locations, emergency contacts, exit routes and any person or animal who may need assistance. Keep the card with the lights and a second copy where it can be found.
There is no official formula that converts home size into a required number of flashlights. Add or relocate lights when a person cannot reach one quickly, when a route has a blind corner or when one device is doing several jobs at once.
Adapt the kit to household needs
Children
Use lights with simple controls and a shape that is easy to hold. Store spare batteries where children cannot swallow or misuse them, while still teaching older children how to retrieve a light safely. A lantern on a stable surface can reduce the temptation to carry a lit flashlight while climbing or carrying objects.
Older adults and people with mobility limitations
Plan for reduced balance, grip strength, vision or hearing. A broad, stable lantern may be easier than a narrow flashlight; a light with a large switch may be easier than a recessed button. Keep a light within reach of the bed or chair, and illuminate the route to the bathroom without creating glare or a trip hazard.
Medical equipment and electrical dependence
The Red Cross advises households to consider individual electrical and medical needs. A lighting kit cannot operate a ventilator, oxygen concentrator, refrigerated medicine or other essential device. Identify which equipment needs backup power, who will check it during an outage and how you will contact the utility, clinician or emergency service. Keep lighting available so those checks can be performed safely.
Pets
Animals may hide, bolt or become distressed when familiar sounds and lights disappear. Keep a flashlight near leashes, carriers and food, and use a lantern to illuminate a room without directing a bright beam into an animal’s eyes. Check floors and doorways before opening an exterior door.
Evacuation
If an outage follows a storm, fire, flood or other hazard, a light should help you leave—not persuade you to remain in an unsafe building. Keep one flashlight where it can be grabbed on the way to an exit. Do not touch downed lines, flooded electrical equipment or damaged wiring; use the light to see hazards and follow instructions from emergency authorities.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Safety practices during an outage
- Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles, following both CPSC and Red Cross guidance.
- Keep lights away from water unless the manufacturer specifically rates them for wet conditions.
- Do not shine a high-intensity beam into another person’s eyes, especially a child’s.
- Place lanterns on stable surfaces and keep cords from chargers out of walking paths.
- Use a flashlight before opening a door, stepping onto stairs or entering a room where an object may have fallen.
- If you smell smoke, gas or burning insulation, leave the area and contact emergency services or the utility from a safe location.
A phone’s flashlight can be a useful supplement, but it consumes the same battery needed for calls, alerts and communication. Keep dedicated lights in the kit so the phone remains available for essential contact.
Test and maintain the kit
Set a recurring household reminder to inspect the lights and batteries. No official guidance sets a universal testing interval; choose a schedule that fits your household and increase checks before storm or winter seasons.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Turn on every flashlight and lantern and confirm the switch works without sticking.
- Check battery compartments for corrosion, leakage or loose contacts.
- Replace depleted or damaged batteries and return fresh spares to the storage location.
- Confirm that an automatic outlet light turns on when its test function or power-failure simulation is used, if the model provides one.
- Verify that everyone still knows the storage points and that furniture, boxes or seasonal decorations have not blocked them.
- Review changes in residents, pets, medical equipment, sleeping arrangements or evacuation routes.
Write the date of each inspection on a small card kept with the kit. The date is a maintenance record, not a guarantee of future runtime; battery performance varies by device, battery condition and storage environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose between a flashlight and a lantern
| Need | Better fit | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Walking, inspecting or aiming light at one spot | Portable directional flashlight | It concentrates the beam and can travel with the user. |
| Lighting a room for several people | Area lantern | It spreads light and can leave both hands free. |
| Immediate reference light in one outlet location | Fixed, outlet-recharged emergency light | It may turn on automatically during a power failure, but it remains location-dependent. |
| Backup when an outlet cannot be reached or the home must be evacuated | Portable battery-powered light | It does not depend on a wall outlet at the moment of use. |
Many homes benefit from using more than one type. The comparison is about tasks, not a ranking of specific models. Official sources do not identify a universal winner, lumen target, runtime or quantity.
Common mistakes and fixes
All the lights are in one hard-to-reach drawer
Fix: Move at least one light to an accessible central point and add lights near sleeping areas or along routes that may be needed first.
Spare batteries are stored separately
Fix: Keep replacements with the lights, label different battery sizes and inspect both together during maintenance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The household relies on a plug-in night-light
Fix: Treat the automatic outlet light as a fixed-location supplement. Keep portable battery lights for rooms, stairs and outdoor movement.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
A phone is the only backup light
Fix: Add dedicated flashlights and a lantern so phone power remains available for communication and alerts.
People do not know the plan
Fix: Demonstrate the storage locations and controls in daylight, then update the plan whenever residents, furniture or medical needs change.
“How would you survive 72 hours without electricity?”
The Red Cross uses that question in an article about outage preparation. It is reader-facing language, not a technical lighting standard or a requirement to own a particular number of lights. Use it as a planning exercise: imagine three days of darkness, interrupted refrigeration and communications, and the possibility that someone must move safely or leave the home. Then check whether each person can reach a working light, whether spare batteries match, and whether the kit still works without a wall outlet.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallLighting is only one part of that scenario. Add the Red Cross’s other kit categories—such as a battery-powered radio and portable power bank—according to your household’s communication and charging needs, while separately planning for food, water, cooking and medical equipment.
A final household check
Before calling the kit complete, walk through an outage with every resident. Ask who can retrieve a light, who may need help, which route is safest, where pets will be secured and what equipment must remain powered. Confirm that the lights are battery-powered, that spare batteries are present and compatible, and that no outlet-powered device is the only source in a room.
The best kit is the one people can find, operate and carry when visibility is poor. Start with a flashlight, a shared-space lantern and matching spare batteries; place them deliberately; test them; and revise the arrangement as the household changes.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
