Lighting in an Outage

Use battery-powered lights. CDC, FEMA and Canada.ca all say flashlights over candles, because candles cause fires.

What to have

• One flashlight or headlamp per person. Headlamps keep your hands free.
• A battery lantern for each shared room.
• Spare batteries that fit what you own.
• Rechargeable lights, plus a power bank to top them up.
• A nightlight or small light in the bathroom and on the stairs.

If oxygen is in use at home, use battery lights only, and never gas lights or torches (FDA).

Save your batteries

• Share one lantern in a room rather than running several.
• Turn lights off when not needed. Use low settings.
• Put a headlamp on a table and point it at a white wall to light a small room.

If you must use candles

• Use flameless ones when possible (Health Canada).
• Use sturdy, fireproof holders that cannot be knocked over.
• Keep them away from curtains, bedding, clothing and decorations, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Blow them out when leaving the room or going to bed.

Canada.ca suggests leaving one regular light switched on so you know when power comes back.