When a power cut outlasts your torch batteries, candles keep going with nothing more than a match. A few sturdy, long-burning candles light a room for hours, take the edge off a cold evening, and cost very little to keep in a cupboard. They're the simplest backstop there is when the grid fails.
They're not a replacement for a torch — an open flame needs care — but as a room-lighting backup that never needs charging, candles have earned their place in emergency kits for generations. Paired with a way to light them, they're reassuringly foolproof.
Bring them out for extended power cuts to light a room the family gathers in, once you've confirmed there's no gas leak or fire risk. Stand them safely in a holder on a stable, non-flammable surface, away from curtains and out of reach of children and pets, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
Thick pillar or utility candles burn for many hours each, so a small pack lights several evenings of outages.
Broad-based pillars stand securely and drip less than thin taper candles, which matters when you're relying on them for hours.
Plain candles are cheaper and better for lighting a room for long periods than heavily scented ones.
A candle balanced on a saucer is a fire waiting to happen. Use a proper stable holder on a non-flammable surface, clear of anything that can catch.
Never leave a burning candle in an empty room or asleep. Snuff them out when you leave, and keep a torch handy to move around.
Broad, long-burning paraffin pillar candles that give hours of steady room light in a power cut, standing securely with minimal dripping and no batteries required.
A bright, rechargeable lantern that lights a whole room or tent with soft, even light. A fire-safe alternative to candles for power cuts.
Industrial-grade chemical light sticks that glow for hours with a single snap — no batteries, flame or sparks. Safe, reliable light for outages, marking and signalling.
A bright, hands-free head torch for power cuts, checking the fuse box or moving around outdoors after dark. Water-resistant and runs on easily stored AAA batteries.
A bright, rechargeable LED torch with multiple modes including strobe and SOS. A dependable handheld light for power cuts and outdoor emergencies.
A bright rechargeable head torch with a strong beam and the option to swap to AAA batteries in a pinch. A dependable step up for regular outdoor use.
A simple, rugged head torch that runs on AAA batteries with no fuss. A great low-cost way to get hands-free light into every kit.
Matches that light reliably even in wet and windy conditions. Essential fire-starting backup for any survival kit.
A rechargeable LED lantern lights a whole room or tent with soft, even light — far more useful than a torch for sitting, cooking and keeping children calm during a power cut.
Chemical light sticks provide reliable, waterproof illumination without batteries or spark risk. Ideal for emergency signalling, marking positions, and low-level lighting in survival scenarios.