Organization · Emergency readiness

Prepare a flashlight and spare batteries for power cuts

Test a flashlight before a power outage and store compatible spare batteries safely where they are easy to find.

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The US Fire Administration recommends flashlights rather than candles during power outages. Battery-maker Duracell recommends cool, dry storage, removing batteries from unused devices, and avoiding mixed old/new or different battery types.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Keep a flashlight in a familiar, accessible location and tell everyone in the household where it is. Do not obstruct exits.
Switch it on to check brightness, the switch and battery contacts. Investigate flickering or damage before an emergency.
Stock the battery type and size specified by the device. Do not mix old with new cells or different battery chemistries.
Store spares in original packaging or a case that prevents terminal contact, away from heat, dampness, loose metal and children.
For devices unused for long periods, follow manufacturer advice on removing batteries to reduce leakage risk. Use dedicated instructions for rechargeables.
Choose flashlights rather than candles during an outage. Recycle or dispose of used cells under local rules for their battery type.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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