When the Lights Go Out: Why Backup Lighting Belongs on Every Homestead

Abe Raleigh
Feb 13
2 min read

Out here, we learn pretty quick not to take the little things for granted—especially electricity. One good storm, heavy snow, or strong wind and suddenly the house goes quiet, the clo

cks blink out, and you’re standing in the dark wondering where you set that flashlight last time.

That’s why backup lighting is one of those simple but important pieces of preparedness we believe every homestead should have dialed in.

Darkness Changes Everything

When the power goes out, normal tasks instantly get harder. Stairs become sketchy. Barn chores don’t stop just because the lights did. Kids, pets, and livestock still need tending, and moving around without light is a good way to get hurt fast.

Having reliable backup lighting isn’t about panic—it’s about staying calm, safe, and capable when things don’t go as planned.

Flashlights: Simple, Dependable, Necessary

Flashlights are usually the first thing people reach for—and for good reason. They’re quick, portable, and easy to use when you need light right now.

We keep several on hand:

By the bed
In the kitchen
Near doors and entryways
In vehicles and outbuildings

They’re perfect for checking breakers, stepping outside, or navigating the house safely. Battery-powered, rechargeable, or hand-crank—whatever style you choose, the key is knowing where they are before you need them.

Oil Lanterns: Old Wisdom Still Works

There’s something steady and comforting about an oil lantern when everything else goes dark. Folks used them long before the grid ever existed, and they still earn their place today.

Oil lanterns give off a warm, room-filling light that makes long outages feel a little less stressful. They don’t rely on batteries, the fuel stores well, and they’re ideal for kitchens, living spaces, or anywhere you need hands-free light.

We personally use the Nighttime Favorite Oil Lamp from Lehman's on our homestead.Which can be found here https://www.lehmans.com/product/nighttime-favorite-oil-lamp/ It’s simple, solid, and dependable—the kind of lamp you can set on the table, light once, and not think about again for hours. No gimmicks, no fuss, just steady light when you need it most.

As with any open flame, use common sense: stable surfaces, clear space around it, and keep it well away from kids, pets, and drafts.

Don’t Rely on Just One Light Source

Preparedness works best in layers. Instead of depending on a single solution, we aim for options.

A good setup might include:

Flashlights for moving around and quick tasks
Oil lanterns for lighting up a room during longer outages
Candles or extra lanterns as a backup to the backup

That way, no matter how long the outage lasts, you’re covered.

Prepared, Not Paranoid

We don’t prep because we’re expecting the worst—we prep so the worst doesn’t catch us off guard. When the lights go out, there’s a big difference between scrambling and simply lighting a lantern and carrying on.

Backup lighting brings peace of mind. It keeps routines steady, tempers calm, and homes safer.

Start Where You Are

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start simple:

Take stock of what you already have
Check batteries and lantern fuel
Put lights in consistent, easy-to-remember spots

Little steps add up. And when the next storm rolls through and the power cuts out, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare.