I recently bought some "power failure flashlights" (do not remember brand or whether I got them at Lowes or Home Depot) which plug into an outlet and charge, but when the power goes out, they turn on. They also have a nightlight option. They have worked well for a couple of months now. We have had a few outages due thunder storms in the last few weeks, and they light the hallways and stairs if they are strategically placed. You can just pick them up and carry them with you as well, to find you other flashlights.

We don't tend to have power outages, and I rarely need a flashlight except for the occasional repair or search for something lost, but there isn't a room in the home without some source of emergency lighting at hand. Bathrooms have a night-light cum flashlight. Everywhere else is one or more flashlights and/or headlamps. In bedrooms, they are by the bed. All are LED lights powered by lithium batteries.

I have a reminder set up on the computer to change out batteries every five years, regardless. Bought online in "bulk" cost is not prohibitive. In the rare instance when I use a flashlight for an extended period of time, I replace the battery(ies) prophylactically.

We've done the same thing, Montanero. They're very multi-purpose and work great. We've also added an led headlight or flashlight to all the bedside tables and a drawer in each of the bathrooms and kitchen. We change batteries every 6 Months when we change the clocks and smoke/co2 detector batteries.

What's a good power failure flashlight?

We've got some of those we bought from Costco. A very good purchase. They put out enough light for easy navigation around the house in the dark, but they are not searchlights.

Here you go, scroll to Action Gear. Remington RMHL4AA-B with a 3 watt Cree emitter, 150 lumens, AA headlamps. I don't know how this outfit sells these so cheap, but I just bought two and they are factory sealed perfect for under $19 each.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B...p;condition=new

If you are tired of any old flashlights that run on AA batteries, put some Energizer AA alkalines in them and let them sit for 4-6 months or so. My experience has been that the batteries will leak and wreck the flashlights, then you can send the lights to Energizer with the leaking batteries and they'll compensate you. If I recall correctly, I think they actually send you a check for the approximate amount it would cost you to replace the flashlight. This has happened to me twice. I only use Duracells now unless I want to get rid of an old flashlight, in which case I switch to Energizers.

Byrd_Huntr... thanks

Anyone know of a good source for lithium AA and AAA batteries? I've been buying Energizer Ultimates at retail when on sale, but they are still quite expensive that way.

I also have tried Sanyo Enelop batteries but am not as happy with their performance as the lithium disposables.

Funny that you say that. The only times I've ever had a good light ruined by leaky batteries it was Energizers. They ruined my Browning (OEM'ed by Pelican) SabreLite and a Mag-Lite.