The 10 Best Emergency Lights

UL-certified, the Light Fixture Industries Hardwired (around $36) are appropriate for residential and some business uses, as they meet a range of code requirements. You'll get two in each order, both with completely adjustable heads featuring glare-free LEDs.

You don't have to worry about dead flashlights with the Amertac Amerelle Slimline (appx. $22), which remain plugged into an outlet and turn on automatically in a power failure. Plus, they emit a faint red light that stays lit when not in use, giving some extra nighttime illumination.

If you're looking for a portable option, then the UST 30-Day Duro (around $33) is a choice to consider. It works just as well outdoors as it does inside, since it has a weather- and impact-resistant case that'll hold up in inclement conditions. The removable globe is pretty nifty, too.

In a nighttime roadway crisis, the last thing you want to be is invisible, but you won't be with the Tobfit Flares (around $38). Each runs on three AAAs and is magnetic, so you can stick them to the side of your vehicle. Or use the folding hook to hang them for a work light in a pinch.

While most models look industrial and are, perhaps, eye-catching in the wrong way, at least in a home, the Ideal Security Inc. Lights Out! (appx. $52) is sleek, slim, and attractive enough to blend in. It comes on when the power turns off and has a carrying handle for extra usability.

For camping, RVing, and backpacking, this Survival Frog Pocket Lantern (appx. $30) is a practical companion that weighs only about 5 ounces and collapses to take up little space in your bag. A solar-powered solution, it'll give you up to 10 hours of run time on one full charge.

With the quick-connect back plate, you can have the Ciata Lighting Ultra-Bright (around $40) up and running in no time, especially since it fits the majority of standard-size junction boxes. And for ease of use, it's got a push-to-test switch and adjustable heads.

The JackonLux Multi-Function LED Bulb (appx. $17) may or may not be an idea whose time has come. On one hand, it's an interesting blend of standard light bulb and emergency fixture, but on the other, it acts oddly in some lamps and is not intuitive to set up for crisis situations.

The Etekcity Camping Lantern (appx. $13) makes for a budget-friendly addition to your hurricane or survival kit. It collapses down to save you some room, yet still manages to pack 30 LEDs into its diminutive frame, so you'll be able to see plenty.

If you're a business owner, or you're just really, really keen on safety, you might want the eTopLighting 2-Pack (about $141). These exit sign/light combos are completely self contained, and they're also fairly compact, so they aren't an eyesore.