Like other prepping essentials, batteries should be stored properly to preserve their lifespan and prevent them from leaking and exploding. In the event of a prolonged blackout and other emergency scenarios, you'll want to be able to power your car and electronic devices for as long as you can.
The following tips will help keep your batteries in good condition regardless of the type of battery you wish to store: (h/t to ThePreppingGuide.com)
Remove batteries from equipment
The batteries in your survival stockpile stand a better chance of lasting longer if you take them out of your devices. That's because some electronic devices tend to draw power from batteries even when they are not in use. Storing your batteries someplace else will also prevent damage to your equipment if the batteries leak.
Keep batteries in their original packaging
The best way to prevent battery leakage is to store batteries in their original packaging. This keeps them buffered and prevents contact with metal objects, which can otherwise cause them to leak.
Don't throw away the packaging so you can store your batteries in there after use.
Store at room temperature
Avoid storing your batteries in direct sunlight because extreme heat can cause batteries to self-discharge more quickly. Batteries thrive in a cool environment, but you should not store them in the fridge because the moisture inside can reduce their lifespan.
The best place to store batteries is at room temperature in a dark, dry place. You can control humidity in your room by using electric fans, placing house plants or using dehumidifiers, among others.
Tie up loose batteries
If you've lost the original packaging, tie up batteries of the same type with a rubber band and put them inside a plastic bag. Make sure that the batteries' positive ends face the same direction.
Separate old and new batteries
Avoid storing old and new batteries together because older batteries can drain charge from newer batteries. To sort your batteries out, take note of the date when you bought and you started using them. If you lost track, use a battery tester to determine their remaining capacity.
Take valuables into account
Store batteries separately from other items in your survival stockpile. Batteries can leak and damage items stored near them. (Related: How to prepare for survival with limited storage space.)
Storing different types of batteries
Here are a few additional tips when storing different types of batteries:
Non-rechargeable batteries
- Store in their original packaging when not in use.
- Do not remove the plastic caps from nine-voltage batteries until they are in use.
- Make sure the batteries won't be crushed or punctured while they are in storage. Keep them in a vapor-proof container.
Rechargeable batteries
- Store at 40 percent capacity and avoid depleting their charge before storage.
- Fully charge batteries before use.
- Remove fully charged batteries from a charger as soon as possible. Avoid leaving your cell phone, laptop and other electronic devices plugged in indefinitely. Doing otherwise can shorten battery life.
Car batteries
- The best way to preserve a car battery's life is to use your car regularly. If you have a vehicle sitting idly in your garage, take it out for a spin once every few weeks.
- If you can't drive your spare vehicle for more than a couple of months, remove the car battery and store it someplace cool and dry. Clean it to remove any corrosion and hook it up to a trickle charger to preserve its lifespan.
Batteries need to be stored properly so you can use these prepping essentials for as long as possible during a blackout and other emergency scenarios. Follow the tips listed here to store your batteries correctly.
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