Abstract: At least one, and preferably two, flashable lights are positioned near an exit door and are actuated in case of an emergency such as a fire or interruption of power. The lights are preferably located near the floor on opposite sides of the exit and are energized by emergency power supply batteries upon interruption of the main power supply. The main power supplied to the system may be interrupted by a fire detector device, and the system includes means for commencing the operation of the flashable lights upon any such interruption. Th flashable lights are preferably discharge tube photoflash lamps which are capable of emitting high intensity flashes.