Batteries are one of my good friends.

Let's look today at managing your batteries.

General Tips for having batteries ready to go.

1.  Keep the batteries in locations where they will be easy to locate.  If you have batteries for a camera, spare batteries might best be kept in the camera case.

2.  Keep batteries in a safe place.  Treat as you would medicine - out of the reach of anyone and pets which may be negatively impacted by batteries.

3.  Keep batteries out of places with extreme temperatures.

Tips for single-use batteries.

1.  Buy at least twice as many batteries as you think you will need.

2.  Buy batteries when you can get the best price.  Batteries may be one of the Black Friday items where you can really save.

Tips for rechargeable batteries.

1.  Keep the charger(s) where you can find them.

2.  Keep a charger in your vehicle.  If you are in your vehicle a lot, it may be wise to have a charger in your vehicle as well.

3.  Recharge batteries when exhausted.  Charging before that happens may reduce battery life.  I only have one battery for my video camcorder so I don't follow that rule there.  But I do in most instances where I have more than one rechargeable battery for a device.

Tips for used single-use batteries and expired rechargeable batteries.

1.  Have a single location where you place all used batteries that are to be disposed of.

2.  Have a plan for where the batteries will go on a regular basis.   I have found that the local town office is where I need to take them so I need to plan a regular time (maybe once a month).

-- I want to expand on this list and make corrections if I have stated anything incorrectly.  Please comment.  Thank you.