Room / area lighting boils down to a few different sources
Gas lantern:
there are several types of lanterns available using gas cartridges to big calor type bottles anyone 40 or over will probably remember the big calor bottles on the motorway with the big bullfinch gas burner lights on the roadworks signs down to tiny backpacker lights... For a proper light at home most will go for a intermediate size lantern ... All will require a stock of cartridges to suit the lantern and it's wise to Cary a pack or 2 of spare mantles
As with all combustible fuels there's the risk of fires but they do give off a good amount of light and heat but can be noisy (dull roar of gas )
There are also gas candles emerging but they are more decorative than useful
Kerro / parafin / petrol
Few different types but the two basic types passive and pressure...
The more basic relies on a wick think old huricane lamps now I've caused a stir in the past saying the cheap ones are naff but I'll standby my comments the German feuerhand storm lanterns are better quality and parts (wicks and globe's are reasonably available on line) and they don't tend to spring a leak obviously read the lamps info on the correct fuel type needed
Beware of many antiques / older units ensure that they are inspected and all seals are good as age / exposure to fuel can cause them to perish. Or fuel containers to rust inside out ... And the last thing you need in a shtf moment is a pressurised fuel igniting inside your house (had a Coleman twin ring petrol stove spring a leak in a caravan awning years ago pressurised fuel poses a tricky DIY fire fighting problem both a pool fire and a jet of flame from the leaking tap ...
Candles. Well this needs no introduction much safer burned in a candle lantern or decent glass holder poorer light output to a huricane lantern
With all the above ensure shtf and normal time they are away from curtains / accumulated domestic stuff paperwork etc ensure they are not left unattended safe from pets / kids knocking them over and keep suitable fire fighting kit handy ..DO NOT USE WATER ON CANDLES / FUEL OILS
"Battery lamps"
Battery lamps clean no risk of fire (ok some smarty pants will say there's a fire risk from lithium cells or charging). But no smell quiet kid and pet safe
Obviously much much safer in doors
Need a good supply of batteries
Rechargeable : plan how to charge it in a shtf episode be it solar / the car / power banks
Solar most work well in summer but being made in china most solar panels are not suitable for long term use in the UK winter the long nights / short days soon see more extracted from the battery than can be replaced
On a personal level a head torch is great for most tasks giving you 2 hands to read a book / fix something .. you've got a range to pick through from gas (calcium carbide miners lamps) obscure but still available to the humble battery light sometimes less Is more a basic dim light is often. Better than a million lumen 30 minute burn time light ...
And a hand torch . And that's a new thread in its own right from a tiny key chain torch to a big search light
And some glow in the dark tape can be useful if used around the house from that little step into the kitchen or top step of the stairs to the knob to the pantry door where the lantern is stashed power goes out the dull glow will highlight stuff for your convenience
My battery push lights I've dotted round the house all have a strip of glow tape if the lights go out I can find them to start bringing more lighting preps into use
