When it comes to storm season or any event that could leave you in the dark, having a quality flashlight around is very valuable. It is my recommendation to have a few different lights that share a common battery. For example, Streamlight® makes a compact lantern (Siege® X USB), a headlamp (ProTac HL® USB) and several handheld lights (I like the Stinger® 2020 and the ProTac® 2L-X USB) that all use a common fuel source.

This versatility allows you to fuel the lights you are using with a single battery source. If your priorities shift and you need to go hands free, then you have backup fuel to drive your headlamp or lantern.

These lights all use the Streamlight SL-B26® Battery Pack, which is a protected Li-Ion rechargeable battery that has a micro-USB port directly in it for easy charging. Obviously charging batteries can be a challenge at times, but modern USB charging packs, your vehicle or your neighbor’s back-up generator are all good options. If charging is not an option, all these lights will also run off two CR123 lithium batteries.

Making the investment in multiple lights and rechargeable batteries isn’t for everyone. If that’s the case and you just want a little insurance at an affordable price, I recommend the 4AA ProPolymer® LED. Using common AA batteries that you can borrow from your TV’s remote and 155 hours of run time, it’s a win, allowing you to have eight hours of light every night for over nineteen days and it is waterproof.

Keep in mind that the only time to prepare for anything is before it happens. For more information with regards to the mentioned products, please go to Streamlight.com.