Batteries! Gotta have ’em!
If you are suddenly separated from your electrical outlets, you are going to quickly realize that the only real alternative is whatever supply of working batteries you have on hand. You will require them for flashlights, communications, computing and virtually any electrical tool or device you require . . . even entertainment.
Winner in test
Batteries come in a wide variety of sizes and values. Most of the batteries that power flashlights, portable radios, popular games, etc. are all rated at 1.5 volts. The bigger they are, the more amps they can produce (amperage = direct current flow). You probably have a lot of devices that require the small AAA and AA sizes and some larger equipment that requires the larger sizes C and D.
What about rechargeable batteries?
If you’re tempted to rely on rechargeable batteries, you might want to consider the fact that rechargeable batteries don’t last as long as their disposable counterparts and what source of power will you use to recharge them if the wall plugs don’t work?
If the obvious conclusion is the purchase and storage of disposable batteries, how many do you purchase, what sizes and how long is their shelf life? The reality is that these batteries have a limited life span and you will need more of some sizes than others.
Winner in our 2012 battery test? Energizer.
Batteries kept in electronic devices or stored on shelves will gradually lose their power. Some batteries deteriorate faster than others. We have tested various brands in our neighborhood C.E.R.T. organization over a ten year period. The Energizer Brand seems to be the best for long-term use. (We have never had any breakdowns).
The other major brand we used to use, Duracell, has proven unreliable over long periods. The casings break down over time and the leakage ruins the electronic device. If you go with Duracell, be sure to check your devices frequently after a year of use. Duracell also makes a premium brand that is used by police and fire departments that may prove more reliable, but they aren’t available everywhere and are more expensive.
Joe Krueger
Emergency Plan Guide
P.S. We regularly test batteries and update our findings. This Advisory was written in 2012. Head over to the SEARCH bar and plug in “batteries” to get the latest.
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