Choosing the Right Batteries for Emergencies
Batteries are a mainstay in emergency preparedness. So much of what we need to use in an emergency, just to get by, relies on battery power whether it be flashlights, lanterns, radios, and other helpful devices. Because many emergency devices require batteries as their source of energy, this is something we want to get right.
Not all batteries are best suited for emergency prep needs. Technology has changed and some are better than others, yet older technologies are still on the market. Take some time to figure out what your battery needs are and what type of batteries are best suited for each individual need.
A highly recommended strategy for storing batteries for emergencies is to include both rechargeable batteries (often preferred for their reusability) and disposable batteries as backups. For this approach, it is beneficial to have access to charging options such as a solar charger, solar power bank, or hand-crank charger, although these are useful additions rather than strict necessities.
Battery Options
Non-Chargeable
A disposable battery by very definition cannot be recharged. These batteries are workhorses but once they are used, they must be replaced. These include alkaline, lithium, silver-oxide, and zinc carbon batteries. For emergency preparedness, lithium batteries can often be the best choice for high-drain devices due to their higher energy density and longer shelf-life, though the best option depends on the specific device and application.
Lithium
Lithium batteries are more expensive than the popular alkaline batteries but perform much better. Although alkaline batteries are known for their low self-discharge rate and are well-suited for low-drain devices like clocks and remote controls, they can perform poorly in high-drain applications and are more prone to leakage. Lithium batteries can store and release more energy than regular alkaline batteries, making them more powerful.
Shelf-Life: Lithium batteries have a very low self-discharge rate and will hold up to 80% of their charge in storage for a good 15 years, lasting twice as long as alkaline batteries.
Chargeable
There are a few different kinds of rechargeable batteries on the market but a highly effective option for many emergency prep applications is the nickel-metal hydride low self-discharge battery (NiMH LSD), particularly for devices that require AA or AAA batteries.
NiMH (LSD)
The NiMH (LSD) battery is a low-discharge battery that serves as a very good option for devices or other applications requiring AA or AAA batteries. It has slightly lower overall capacity but maintains its charge for a longer period under storage conditions. Stored properly, the battery can retain up to 85% of its charge after one year in storage and 70% after 5 years. These batteries are typically labeled as pre-charged or ready to use as they come packaged with approximately 70% charge.
Lithium-ion Battery
While NiMH (LSD) batteries are a strong choice for many low-drain applications, there is a place for the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, which is a rechargeable version of a lithium battery. If you need to run a power-hungry device that requires a constant supply of power, like a laptop, then a high-drain battery is preferable. A lithium rechargeable battery offers high capacity and is more suited for such uses. It is advisable to avoid storing lithium-ion batteries in environments like a car where temperatures can exceed safe levels (around 140°F), as this may increase the risk of thermal runaway or venting.
Choosing the Right Battery for Each Device
With emergency preparedness in mind, the best plan is to use NiMH (LSD) rechargeable batteries as the primary battery for most devices, while using non-rechargeable lithium batteries as backups where appropriate. There are a few exceptions to this, where lithium is the better choice.
NiMH (LSD) – Primary Use (with Lithium as Backup)
- flashlights
- lanterns
- grab & go bag devices
Storage Suggestion
Store the batteries with your supplies. It is also advisable to store a solar charger, solar power bank, or hand-crank charger to recharge NiMH batteries if needed.
Lithium Batteries – For Specific Devices
- emergency radios
- car emergency kits
- carbon monoxide & smoke detectors
Storage
Do not store batteries in a hot car. Store them with other emergency supplies at room temperature.
