Black Diamond Spot or similar headlamp
- What it is
- A bright, dependable headlamp with red-light mode.
- Why
- Hands-free light is what you need in a dark house or stairwell.
- Watch out
- Rechargeable models are great, but keep one AAA model as backup.
Light and warmth when the power's out
Headlamps for every person, a lantern for each main room, and a plan to stay warm that doesn't involve running a grill indoors.
Reviewed October 2026 against guidance from CDC, FEMA, Ready.gov. Prices are typical ranges; check the live price before you buy.
Quick picks
- One per personBlack Diamond Spot or similar headlampHands-free light is what you need in a dark house or stairwell.
- Room lightGoal Zero Lighthouse or similar rechargeable lanternRoom light reduces stress and fire risk compared with candles.
- Cold-weather mustCold-rated sleeping bagsKeeps everyone safe in a cold house without fuel.
Prices are typical ranges. Buy links are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, PrepScore earns from qualifying purchases. Disclosure
How much you need
- Headlamps
- 1 per personPlus one by every bed in quake country.
- Lanterns
- 1 per main roomBattery or solar. Not candles.
- Batteries
- 2 spare setsStandardize on AA or USB-C rechargeable.
- Sleeping bags
- 1 per personRated for your coldest indoor temperatures.
When it matters
How important each item is in each kind of emergency.
| Item | Outage | Grid down | Evacuate | Shelter | Bad water | Earthquake |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headlamps and batteries | ||||||
| Warmth without power | ||||||
| Battery CO alarm |
Critical Important Useful
- Headlamps and batteries: Hands-free light is the difference between handling a dark house and tripping through it.
- Warmth without power: A house without heat loses its warmth within a day in winter. Sleeping bags rated for the season solve most of it.
- Battery CO alarm: Generators, heaters and stoves used during outages are a leading cause of carbon monoxide deaths.
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Start here
Cheap, high-impact basics everyone should own.
Mylar emergency blankets
- What it is
- Light reflective blankets that retain body heat.
- Why
- Cheap layer for every car and bag.
- Watch out
- Noisy and fragile. A supplement, not a sleeping bag.
Step up
Where most prepared households land.
Goal Zero Lighthouse or similar rechargeable lantern
- What it is
- A USB and hand-crank lantern that lights a room for hours.
- Why
- Room light reduces stress and fire risk compared with candles.
- Watch out
- Brightness vs runtime trade-off. Use low mode.
Cold-rated sleeping bags
- What it is
- Synthetic or down bags rated to around 20°F or lower.
- Why
- Keeps everyone safe in a cold house without fuel.
- Watch out
- Temperature ratings are optimistic. Go 10 degrees below your expected indoor low.
Go deep
For long outages, big households and rural homes.
Mr. Heater Buddy indoor-safe propane heater
- What it is
- A propane heater with low-oxygen shutoff and tip-over protection, designed for indoor use.
- Why
- Real heat in a cold house when the furnace is down.
- Watch out
- Still needs ventilation and a battery CO alarm in the room. Follow every label warning.
How to choose
- Pick one battery standard across devices so you only stock one kind.
- Look for red-light modes to preserve night vision and battery.
- For heat, warm people, not rooms. Pick one small room, close it off and gather there.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using candles as primary light. They're a leading cause of post-disaster house fires.
- Heating with a gas oven, grill or outdoor heater indoors.
- Storing batteries inside devices for years. They leak.
Questions
How do I stay warm without power?
Pick one interior room, close it off, layer clothes, wear a hat, and use sleeping bags. An indoor-rated heater with a CO alarm can help. Never use ovens, grills or outdoor heaters inside.
How long does a house stay warm without heat?
It depends on insulation and outdoor temperature. A well-insulated home may stay tolerable for a day or more; drafty homes drop much faster. Plan to keep people warm, not the house.
Sources
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