Just finishing my emergency gear check, a process I endeavor to complete every three months. I had left one stash to the last, because everything was good just three months ago...

Surprise! There was superficial rust on my Ltool accessories. The Eneloops batteries in thee headlamp were good, but two of the backup lithiums were deficient. maybe because they weere dated 2012??

I also have a zippered pouch that is corroded shut - still working on that. Moisture is getting into the stash somehow, and I will have to fix that.

Other than that, everything is dandy and my CERT bag is ready to go.

Just passing this along, so that you may be inspired to conduct regular checks of this stuff.....

Good tip. I've been going through my old survival / first aid kits and finding meds that have been expired for a silly amount of time (and then reflecting on how quickly the years go by...)

I checked my various kits recently...

Meds expired in the first aid kits
The polyurethane lining in a backpack is getting sticking. In other words, it's breaking down.
Does duct tape deteriorate? Wondering if I need to replace a 10 year old roll...

There seems to be this inevitable replacement cost. We buy some equipment that doesn't get used unless there is an emergency. Then ten years later it's no good anymore.

Some duct tape deteriorates. It can get brittle and loose some adhesion. If a roll does not get used, I test about an inch of it once or twice a year. I try to rotate it though.
Some equipment can be rotated. Some may have to be replaced without having been useed. Preparation for emergencies does come for free (no free lunch here).

I introduced recurring reminders and checklists for that. Works well for me.
Silica gel packs can help to avoid damage from moisture. A regular check is also an opportunity to regenerate and replace the packs. Fixing a potential leak still is a good idea.

I've had a roll of duct tape stored in the truck kit kind of melt and make a mess.
Also don't store batteries in your gear, even eneloops. Most electronics now a days uses soft power switches which have a tiny amount of drain so they are slowly using some battery life just sitting so you need to top off the charge from time to time. I've also had a couple NiMH leak (not eneloops yet, cheaper brands) so you run that risk also.

Great point about the standby power. I use the lithium AA cells (primaries, not rechargeables) in the lights I keep in the car. They much more resistant to the heat in the summer and get changed out once a year. I unscrew the battery compartment in the light unless it has a mechanical switch. I was surprised by the high standby power in a few lights. Manufacturers are getting lazy / careless in the higherpower li-ion powered lights.

I have an inexpensive label printer. I print out a label reading “REMOVE BEFORE USE”, leave the backer on over the adhesive, and stick it between the battery and its contact before shutting the battery cover on the label.

The whole maintaining battery powered devices is becoming a pain. Used to I would just use AA powered with mechanical on/off but selection is getting smaller so now I've ended up with AAA powered headlamps and some lithium ION powered stuff and some of each with standby draw and some with non-removable batteries. so now one has to be more careful about keeping things checked.