Light and Radio Options

When preparing for emergencies, having reliable power sources for essential devices, especially lights and radios, is crucial. But should you choose battery-powered devices, hand-crank devices, solar-powered options, or non-technological alternatives, like candles and kerosene lanterns? We’ll cover the pros and cons of each.

Lighting Options

Proper lighting is essential during emergencies, allowing you to navigate safely, perform tasks, and maintain a sense of normalcy. The truth is that we’re so accustomed to having light in our homes that it’s eerie when there isn’t any light. Even moonlight or the dim glow from a tiny LED light is enough to make a difference. But when times get tough, when the power goes out, you need more than that.

Same goes for communication. We’re so accustomed to being “plugged in” to knowing everything that goes on—possibly even news we shouldn’t care about—that it’s strange not being alerted to every last bit of news. But when disaster strikes, having something … anything is crucial. And that’s why we need to consider alternative options to keeping informed besides the local news.

Battery-Powered Lighting

I’m a fan of battery-powered gear, especially lighting. While it’s true that batteries will run out, and rechargeable devices are convenient, for most of us, battery-powered devices are the way to go.

Pros:

• Readily available and easy to use by everyone, even kids
• Provides consistent, bright light (and most use LED bulbs, which make them very efficient)
• Tons of options, from flashlights to lanterns, headlamps, keychain lights, and so much more; I guarantee you’ll find something that works!
• Most options offer multiple brightness settings, including ones you don’t want

Cons:

• Batteries have a limited lifespan, but most alkalines last up to 10 years
• Requires stockpiling batteries, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing so long as you have other equipment which uses them (and you should)
• Environmental concerns with battery disposal may be an issues with Lithiums

Popular battery-powered lighting options include LED flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. I own a variety; just look on Amazon and you’ll surely find options that work for you. Many modern LED lights are highly efficient, providing long run times on a single set of batteries.

Hand-Crank Lighting

I’m really not a fan of hand-crank anything. They’re annoying and require me to expend effort when I don’t have to with other options. But there are some considerations:

Pros:

• No need to stockpile batteries or external power sources
• Reliable in long-term emergencies (so long as the crank continues to function and the internal battery lasts)
• Often combined with other features like radios or phone chargers (can be good for those on a limited budget or with limited space)

Cons:

• Requires physical effort to generate power (this is super annoying to me!)
• May not provide as bright or long-lasting light as battery-powered options
• Can be tiring to use for extended periods

Hand-crank flashlights and lanterns are potential backup options. Many models, like the FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio LED Flashlight, combine multiple functions in one device.

Solar-Powered Lighting

Many preppers swear by solar powered gear. Personally, it’s just another tool in the toobox … not something to rely upon.

Pros:

• Renewable energy source (so long as the sun is out!)
• No need for batteries or manual effort
• Can provide long-lasting light with proper charging

Cons:

• Requires sunlight to charge, which may be limited in some emergencies
• Initial cost can be higher than other options
• Won’t work as well in cloudy or winter conditions

Solar-powered lanterns can provide up to 100 hours of light on a single charge. Many solar lights also include USB charging capabilities for added versatility.

Non-Technological Lighting

This is probably plan C or D for many people, but preppers keep these lights around because they’re reliable and work pretty much no matter what. Consider adding a quality kerosene lantern or propane lantern to your preps.

Pros:

• No reliance on batteries or electricity
• Can provide warmth as well as light, but can also be a burn hazard if not careful
• Long shelf life for most fuel, especially propane and some oil lamps

Cons:

• Fire hazard (especially for those with pets and small children)
• Produces smoke and fumes (which can be problematic in modern homes)
• Often very bright compared to electric options, but it depends on the lantern and oil chosen
• Requires careful fuel storage and management

Candles and oil lamps have been used for centuries and remain viable options for emergency lighting. However, they should be used with caution due to fire risks. Personally, I’m not a fan of stockpiling candles for lighting, but I recognize that many people disagree. That’s fine, just use them safely.

Radio and Communication Devices

Staying informed during emergencies is crucial, making radios an essential part of any preparedness kit. The problem is: which option should you choose? I prefer battery-powered devices, but hand-crank radios are all the rage. Here’s what I think…

Battery-Powered Radios

Pros:

• Reliable and easy to use, just like with lights and lanterns
• Many models include multiple power options (batteries, AC, hand-crank)
• Often include additional features like flashlights or phone chargers

Cons:

• Requires stockpiling batteries for long-term use
• Some models may drain batteries faster than others; read reviews

Many emergency radios, like the Midland ER310, offer multiple power sources including batteries, solar panels, and hand cranks. These versatile devices often include NOAA weather alerts and other emergency features. But remember that choosing one device that seems to do it all can leave you vulnerable to damage, loss, or something unexpected happening to your radio. Always have a backup!

Hand-Crank Radios

As I mentioned above (and elsewhere) I’m just not a fan of hand-crank radios. Maybe it’s the devices I’ve owned in the past, but they’re annoying to crank, don’t last nearly as long as their battery-powered counterparts, and rely on a single point of failure: an internal battery that’s probably not that good. But, I’ll try to be kind…

Pros:

• No need to replace batteries or have an external power source
• Sometimes include solar panels for additional charging options, but they’re usually not that good, either
• Can be considered reliable in long-term emergencies so long as you’re willing to crank the handle every so often

Cons:

• Requires physical effort to generate power
• Certainly does not provide as much listening time as battery-powered options

Hand-crank radios are an option for emergency kits, providing reliable communication even when other power sources fail. That said, they shouldn’t be your go-to option when there are other, more reliable and easier to use, choices.

Solar-Powered Radios

Again, solar is popular among preppers, but it’s not a panacea. Here’s why…

Pros:

• Renewable energy source so long as the sun shines. What happens if it’s rainy or cloudy for days on end and you’ve been running the radio nonstop?
• Often combined with hand-crank options for versatility
• Can include USB charging for other devices, but this will absolutely run down the internal batteries

Cons:

• Requires sunlight to charge, which may be limited or nonexistent in some emergencies, so only use these as a backup
• May not work as well in cloudy or winter conditions (but it could still get some charge depending on a variety of factors)

Solar-powered radios are a better option than hand-crank radios, to be sure. They often serve as multi-functional devices, providing radio, lighting, and charging capabilities in one unit, but again, be careful of putting all your eggs in one basket.

Whatever options you choose, look for versatility. Get more than one light source and more than one radio. I prefer battery-powered options for both. Whether you choose hand-crank or solar is up to you, and will largely depend on where you live and the disasters you expect to encounter. If you live in the southwest, you might choose a solar option; but those in the northern latitudes or prone to rainy/cloudy weather might go for the hand-crank options, despite my protests.

As with most things, the answer depends on you, your preferences, what you can afford, and what you expect to encounter. What I can absolutely say is that you need something if you don’t have anything at all. And if you want my specific recommendations, here you go…