Which category do batteries fall into?

Batteries are classified as consumable items because they are designed to be used and then replaced after their energy has been depleted. This means that their intended purpose is to provide power for a limited period, after which they need to be discarded or recycled. In incident management, consumable items are those that are often expended during operations, such as fuel, food, and other supplies that are used and need replenishment.

While the other categories, such as accountable and durable, refer to items with different characteristics—accountable items usually being tracked for inventory purposes due to their value and durability referring to items that are built to last and can be used multiple times—batteries fit squarely in the consumable category, as they are not intended for long-term use after their energy is spent. Essential items denote necessary supplies for operations but don’t specify the characteristic of being used up like consumables do. Thus, batteries' nature of being used until depleted justifies their classification as consumable items.