Hurricane Sandy Requires Re-Examination of Rechargeable Battery Use

There is has been a slow but steady migration towards the use of devices utilizing rechargaeable batteries for emergency services personnel.  The combination of more reliability and longer life have led to cost savings and reduces the amount of batteries making their way into the waste stream.

We sell rechargeable batteries and applaud these changes.

However, ongoing problems in restoring electrical service to the New York and New Jersey area has made it necessary to revisit the decision that many have made.   Some questions must now be asked that don’t have simple answers.

A modern LED flashlight with rechargeable batteries  is designed to last for many hours of service, but not many days.  Even the highest quality device is going to need recharging after 12-16 hours.  Without reliable power to run the charging unit, the flashlight becomes useless after several days.  That, regrettably, is being discovered unexpectedly by many who are involved in emergency services because power losses for many are now extending into their second week.

Many of these devices use proprietary batteries or are designed to go directly into a charging unit and the batteries are not accessible to be changed even if the user had a spare.  Rechargeable units have been in use long enough that the old reliable flashlight or other device that used alkaline batteries is no longer available.

I you are considering making the change to rechargeable batteries, allow us to make this suggestion.  Choose a unit that uses standard size batteries (D Cells, AA, etc.) rather than a sealed unit or one that uses a special battery.

Keep a supply of proper sized alkaline batteries as a backup.  Modern day alkalines from major manufacturers have 7+ years of shelf life and are not prone to leaking like older batteries.

If a power outage extends for more than a couple of days, this is your best backup plan.

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