How Can You Store Batteries Safely?

We live in a world where we rely on electronic devices. Batteries power so many of our electronic devices today, and you can find them in a variety of sizes almost everywhere. Although storage units are great for storing our things, should we keep our batteries in there as well? And if so, how can we safely store them?

Batteries of all shapes and sizes can potentially be toxic. Whether it be a battery for a car or batteries for a kid’s toy, these items can cause issues when stored improperly.

Here are tips on how to safely store your batteries for your storage unit:

Keep Them Packaged in a Sturdy Container 

The best way to store batteries is in their original packaging. However, if you do not have the original box to store your batteries, placing them in a sturdy plastic container is the safest bet. Remember that you do not want to mix up different brands or types of batteries in your storage unit container.

Keep Them Cool 

One thing that you want to be aware of when storing batteries is temperature. This extends the shelf life of the batteries, but more importantly, overheated batteries can cause an explosion. The ideal temperature for storing batteries is between 40 to 70°F with 60°F being ideal.

Keep Them Dry 

It is important to keep batteries dry to prevent leakage and corrosion. Batteries, also, do not do good with too much humidity. Humidity can make your batteries leak. Most climate-controlled units allow you to control humidity. If you plan to store batteries, definitely look into climate-controlled units. Because of the risk of accidental leakage, be sure to store your batteries away from valuable or sentimental items, such as clothing and family heirlooms.

Store Similar Batteries Together 

Keep new and old batteries separate to prevent leakage from occurring. You can keep them separated by using rubber bands or keep them in separate containers. Also, be sure to have all your batteries aligned in the same direction; don’t have a positive and negative end facing the same direction. It’s also important to note that different batteries have different shelf lives. Most alkaline batteries have a shelf life of 5-10 years whereas lithium batteries last 10-12 years.

Remove Them from All Devices 

Batteries contain chemicals that can very easily destroy your products. This problem increases as the battery size gets bigger. The type of battery depends on how toxic and dangerous the battery can be.

Storage unit companies have different rules and you should be aware of the regulations with your particular company. In the Mobile, Alabama area, contact Beltline and Security Stor-All for your questions concerning batteries inside of your storage unit. We educate ourselves to better our customers. Call us today at 251-278-3051.