With south-east Queensland now officially on cyclone watch, residents are being urged to check and charge their batteries, as an important part of their preparation.
Battery World owner, Steve Minter, says batteries are a critical, but often overlooked, part of any emergency kit.
“There’s no point having a torch, if there’s no way of powering it up,” he said. “Just about everyone has a battery drawer at home, but the contents can be random or out of date.
“Taking the time to plan really could save your life and the lives of your family. Our advice is to be prepared and make sure your emergency preparedness kits are checked annually.”
Top tips for making sure your batteries are ready for TC Alfred:
- Check what size your torch/radio/appliances take
- Ensure you have adequate supply of all sizes
- Check the expiry dates on your existing batteries, to ensure they haven’t lost charge
- Charge all your portable devices before the storm hits
- Obtain and charge a power bank, so you can keep your mobile running if power remains out for a period.
“Batteries are often something people forget about until they need them, but they can be a lifesaver during natural disasters,” said Battery World’s General Manager, Johnny Kennedy.
“Having enough spare batteries for three days is recommended along with portable battery-operated AM/FM radio with spare batteries (AA/AAA) and waterproof torches with extra batteries.
“If you find yourself sheltering in your home without power, you’ll need to keep up with all local updates. Having a means of lighting and some charging capability is also imperative,” he added.
The recommended Emergency Kit for Queenslanders can be found here.
