There are several different types of emergency lighting.
Here are the basics:
Battery
Operated Lanterns
Battery powered lanterns provide the best light
for most rooms. However most of them take a lot of batteries, so you
cannot depend on them for long term use unless you have a lot of battery
storage.
Most of the type 4-8 D size batteries. They are a safe and
effective way of lighting a room on a temporary basis.
Propane
Lanterns
Propane lanterns work well, but they use a lot of propane so you
can't count on them for long term storage unless you have a lot of propane.
Liquid Gas Lanterns
You can also purchase liquid gas containers.
However, they are used mostly for camping and not as safe indoors. They
are not as easy to start as propane, and need more maintenance, as they are
refilled and not disposable.
Flashlights
You will need flashlights to walk around your home when it gets dark.
You can buy and store batteries, but you will need to rotate them so they don't
get old.
You can also buy flashlights that you can shake or wind and get light that
lasts for a few minutes.
Candles
Everyone has candles. They are probably the best long term solution for
light. Just be sure you have a holder for them so they won't fall over and
start a fire. Candles are almost always the cause of home fires during
power outages, so be very, very careful.
You also need to have enough matches,
and keep them stored in container where they won't get wet.
Solar Lights
If you live in an area that received a lot of sunlight,
you can place solar lights in your yard during the day, and then bring them
inside during the evening.
During the winter, you will also have light from
your fireplace or wood burning stove.
