Q. Will TSA baggage screeners allow me to carry spare batteries through the security check point at airports?
A. Yes, but the spare batteries should be protected to prevent short-circuiting.

Q. How do I protect spare batteries to prevent short-circuiting?
A. Keep spare batteries in their original retail packaging. For loose batteries, place non-conductive tape across exposed terminals or place the battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package. Do not permit a battery to come into contact with metal objects such as coins, keys, jewelry, or other batteries.

Q. Should I use the same safe handling procedures for the different types of batteries used for consumer electronic devices (e.g., lithium batteries, lithium-ion batteries, alkaline batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal-hydride)?
A. Yes. All batteries are designed to generate an electrical current and transmit power through terminals made of a conductive metal. If not adequately protected from damage, short-circuiting or inadvertent activation when installed in equipment, batteries can generate or cause sparks or extreme heat and, in some cases, cause a fire.

Q. May I carry battery-powered devices when I travel by airplane?
A. Yes. You may safely carry battery powered devices such as laptop computers, cell-phones, cameras, PDAs, or other battery-powered devices. Pack battery-powered devices so as to prevent inadvertent activation.

Q. What else can I do to prevent safety problems involving batteries?
A:

• Use only chargers designed for your type of battery.
• Purchase batteries from reliable sources.
• Take steps to prevent crushing or puncturing that can cause an internal short-circuit.
• Do not carry recalled, damaged, or counterfeit batteries.
• Avoid dropping laptop computers or other devices.

Q. How can I tell if a battery I am using has been placed on an industry recall list for safety concerns?
A. Information on recalled batteries can be found at the manufacturer's web site or from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov).

Q. What happens if my battery smokes or causes a fire during my flight?
A. Immediately alert the flight crew. Let the flight crew handled the incident. Members of the crew have access to fire extinguishers and are trained to handle such incidents.