In an emergency situation you will most likely need to use some batteries to help get you through it.
From flashlights to radios and other things that require batteries to work what is the better option? Rechargeable or disposable batteries?
There are different ways of approaching this conversation. I will state here this is just my opinion and for my situation. Do your own research and go with what works for you.
Why Batteries are so Important
Before I get into the pros and cons of the different battery types, lets first discuss on why batteries are so important to you in an emergency situation.
They power things that can help you is the simplest way I think about it.
If you don’t have batteries you can’t have:
- Quick easy and safe access to flashlights / headlamps
- You can’t have long easy access to a radio
Of course there are other ways to get power to these items. Solar power or hand crank can work. But let’s be real here they aren’t as convenient as having some batteries on hand.
Rechargeable Batteries
Pros
- Able to be reused over and over
- Less wasteful than single-use batteries
- Probably better for the environment?
- Can hold their charge for a long time, good shelf life
Cons
- High cost up front
- Can take a while to recharge
- Need to have a charger handy
- Might not be as easy to purchase
From a cost saving or environmental stand point, rechargeable batteries over time make the more logical sense. In a normal day to day environment with things I use all the time I think they are a great option.
In an emergency situation, for me, not so much.
I might start off with rechargeable batteries, but over time if the situation drags on they might not be the best option. Think about it. If you have no power for 7 days and your rechargeable batteries go flat. You will want to look at disposable batteries to help you get through.
If you are getting rechargeable batteries make sure to check on how long it takes to recharge them. Some can take overnight others are quicker.
Single-Use Batteries
Pros
- Cheap to buy
- More readily available
- Different types, i.e. alkaline batteries or lithium batteries
- Can be purchased in bulk quantities
Cons
- Non reusable
- Variety of quality out there
Easy to find and available from so many places. Single use batteries are the go to for a lot of people.
For unprepared people in an emergency they might resort to pulling batteries out of remote controls and kids toys.
This is one of those things you could easily “borrow” from your emergency kits and forget to replace. Which could lead to problems later on.
Make sure you have the right type of batteries
Ever thought you had the right battery for something only to realize it was the wrong type.
In a perfect world everything would just take the one type of battery.
Work out what you have or are planning to have that needs batteries to work. Figure out the battery type. Knowing this helps you decide on what items to get, and also what batteries you need to have spares of.
Not all Batteries are the Same
Rechargeable or not, there are a lot of different brands out there. Some are better than others and it pays to do your research.
Cheap batteries just won’t last very long. Or they might not hold much of a charge. Not good when you need to them in an emergency.
Let me know what your preferred battery brand is by leaving a comment below.
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