We’ve all heard the usual bedtime advice — keep your phone charged, have a glass of water, maybe a lamp nearby. But safety experts say there’s one thing far more important that everyone should have within reach before going to sleep.

A flashlight.

It sounds simple, but in an emergency — like a power outage, a fire, or even an earthquake — that small light could save your life. In the dark, panic can set in fast, especially when you can’t see where you’re going. A flashlight helps you navigate safely, find loved ones, or escape quickly if needed.

Experts recommend keeping a compact, battery-powered flashlight (not just your phone) right beside your bed. Phones can die, fall, or become hard to grab during a crisis — but a flashlight will be ready instantly.

Bonus tip: keep a pair of shoes and a bottle of water nearby too. If something happens overnight, you’ll be prepared to move fast without injury or dehydration.

So tonight, before you turn out the lights, check your bedside. One simple item could make all the difference when every second counts.