Glows sticks: The unexpected survival tool every prepper should have

08/04/2025 / By Zoey Sky

Glow sticks are more than just party favors; they’re essential tools for survivalists and preppers.
Unlike candles or oil lamps, glow sticks provide fire-free illumination during power outages, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets. They’re useful for tracking children or pets, marking trails and signaling for help in low-light or dangerous conditions.
Unlike flashlights, glow sticks work well in freezing temperatures, making them reliable tools during winter emergencies. They can attract fish for night fishing or lure insects into traps for food or bait in extended survival scenarios.
Glow sticks are also used by armed forces for marking hazards, guiding movement and when doing search-and-rescue, proving their versatility in emergencies.
You can choose between standard (affordable), high-intensity (longer-lasting) or mini (tactical) versions depending on your needs. Glow sticks are a cheap, lightweight and multi-functional addition to any emergency kit, offering practical solutions when traditional light sources fail.

When most people think of glow sticks, they imagine children’s birthday parties, concerts or raves.

But for survivalists and emergency preppers, these inexpensive, lightweight tubes of light serve a far more practical purpose: helping families stay safe, visible and calm during power outages, natural disasters and outdoor emergencies.

Beyond their fun, colorful glow, these simple chemical lights offer a surprising number of survival applications, from marking hazards to signaling for help. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com)

Why glow sticks belong in every emergency kit

Here are some reasons to stock up on glow sticks before disaster strikes:

Safe and kid-friendly emergency lighting

When the lights go out, candles and oil lamps pose fire risks, especially if you have small children or pets. Glow sticks provide a flameless alternative, emitting a soft, reassuring glow that can last for hours.

For those with mobility challenges, placing a glow stick in a vase or cup near stairs or hallways can prevent nighttime accidents.

Parents can also use them as makeshift nightlights, easing children’s fears during blackouts. (Related: No power? No problem! How portable power stations can keep you running after SHTF.)

Outdoor safety and visibility

Whether you’re camping, hiking or evacuating in low-light conditions, glow sticks can be lifesavers.

Child and pet tracking – Clip a glow stick bracelet to a child’s wrist or a pet’s collar to keep them visible in the dark.
Trail marking – Hang them along paths to mark safe routes or hazards like cliffs or holes.
Emergency signaling – Twirl a glow stick on a string to create a distress signal when fire isn’t an option.

Cold-weather reliability

Unlike flashlights, which can fail in freezing temperatures, glow sticks last longer in the cold, though their glow may be dimmer.

This makes glow sticks ideal for winter emergencies when battery-powered devices might die.

Survival fishing and trapping

Glow sticks can attract fish at night when tied to a fishing line. They can also lure insects, which are useful for gathering bait or even as a food source in dire circumstances, into traps.

Military-grade tactical uses

Even the U.S. military relies heavily on high-intensity “chem lights” for:

Marking cleared rooms in combat zones
Guiding troops in low-visibility conditions
Identifying minefields
Search-and-rescue operations (especially in water, since they float)

While preppers and civilians don’t need military-grade versions, these applications demonstrate just how versatile glow sticks can be in emergencies.

Choosing the right glow sticks for your needs

Not all glow sticks are created equal. For prepping purposes, consider:

Standard party glow sticks (affordable, great for kids)
Longer-lasting, high-intensity versions (better for signaling and marking)
Mini glow sticks (useful for tactical marking)

Budget-friendly options are available for as low as $5 for a multi-pack, making glow sticks an easy and inexpensive addition to your emergency kit.

Safety considerations before using glow sticks

While generally safe, glow stick liquid can cause mild irritation if ingested or if it gets in contact with the eyes.

If a child bites into one:

Wipe their mouth with a damp cloth
Rinse their mouth with water
Monitor for discomfort (though serious harm is rare)

Glow sticks may seem like a simple novelty, but their versatility in emergencies makes them a must-have for any preparedness kit.

Whether lighting a dark hallway, marking a trail or signaling for help, these inexpensive tools provide peace of mind when traditional light sources fail.

Visit Survival.news for more suggestions on useful items to add to your prepping stockpile. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies and useful gear for your prepping needs.

Watch this clip about two essential prepping tools: UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord and Bug Spray.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.