A View from the IU

Summer time is a great time to check the batteries in your Go Kits or other emergency gear you have stored. While we hope that we never need to use this stored equipment we can't forget that it does require some ongoing care to make sure it's ready when we need it.  Failing to check and change batteries can be very costly and reduce your readiness.  If the batteries rupture I've seen them erode electrical terminals on flashlights and radios and even dissolve holes through the bottom of Go Bags. Don't let something simple like battery maintenance result in the loss of expensive  equipment.   Here's a few things to consider:

• Not sure when they were last changed? If in doubt change the batteries every year
• Get your Sharpie out. Write the month and year (9/19) on the side of each battery before installing it.
• More than just flashlights.  Often we think of flashlight batteries but make sure you don't have other battery operated equipment that needs checked such as walkie-talkies or weather radios.  Some of these run on rechargeable batteries so be prepared to plug equipment in and refresh the charge. 
• Acid burns!  If you have batteries that have ruptured avoid direct contact with the white powdery acid residue or acid oozing out of the batteries.  Be sure to properly dispose of them and keep them out of reach of children. 
• You can clean up leaking batteries.  Google cleaning batteries and you will find that baking soda and an old toothbrush do wonders.  After you clean up the terminals a dab of grease will protect the terminal from further erosion.

This is a great project for students who need community service hours or other staff that have some increased capacity over the summer when school is not in session.  

That's it for now.  As always...need anything don't hesitate to reach out.  This is John Baker for safetysolutions4schools.com