Expert Insights: Portable Power Sources Are Not Just for Disaster Preparedness

June 16, 2026 - As awareness of disaster preparedness grows, portable power sources are gaining attention as essential household items. While known as 'emergency power sources' for use during power outages or disasters, they are increasingly being utilized in various scenarios such as daily life, outdoor activities, car camping, and home care. However, many people may still have questions: Are portable power sources really necessary? What should you look for when choosing one for disaster preparedness? How should you consider capacity and output? How should you use them on a daily basis? This article, based on an interview with Mizuguchi, the Secretary-General of the General Incorporated Association Portable Battery Recycling Association, will clearly explain how to choose, use, and important points for disaster preparedness regarding portable power sources. We will also introduce why the DJI Power series, offered by DJI, is easy to use for both daily life and disaster preparedness. Who Needs Portable Power Sources? 'Important for Those Who Struggle Without Electricity' Mizuguchi emphasized that portable power sources are particularly suitable for people or environments where a power outage significantly impacts daily life. Mizuguchi explains, 'They are suitable for people or places where life is difficult without electricity.' For example, in the following cases: Households using in-home medical or nursing care equipment, All-electric homes, Households that want to secure communication methods even during power outages, People who camp in their cars, People who want to use power sources for outdoor activities or camping. Thus, portable power sources are not just for disaster preparedness but can also be considered as an option for supporting daily life. Portable Power Sources Are Not Just for Disaster Preparedness: Daily Use is Important Even if you purchase a portable power source for disaster preparedness, it is common to just store it away. However, Mizuguchi emphasizes the importance of getting used to using it regularly. 'It is important to get used to using portable power sources regularly. Instead of just buying and storing them away, it is better to use them daily.' If you try to use them for the first time during an emergency, you may encounter issues such as not knowing which household appliances they can be used with, not knowing how long they will last, or not knowing how to charge them. Therefore, it is effective for disaster preparedness to regularly use them for charging smartphones, powering notebook PCs, powering small household appliances, and using them as power sources outdoors, to get accustomed to their actual usage. 'Products with pass-through functionality that are always connected to refrigerators for daily use, with a capacity of 1000Wh or more, are reassuring.' What is Most Important When Choosing a Portable Power Source? In Japan, 'Safety' and 'After-Sales Support' are Important When choosing a portable power source, Mizuguchi first mentioned safety. 'One important point is that they do not catch fire.' In Japan, in addition to disaster preparedness, there is also significant concern about fire risks. Therefore, when choosing a portable power source, it is necessary to thoroughly check the safety of the battery. In recent years, the adoption of lithium iron phosphate batteries has become widespread, leading to improved safety. Furthermore, Mizuguchi points out that when it comes to increasing product reliability, it is not just about the performance of the main unit. 'The most important factor in increasing reliability is the manufacturer's after-sales support.' Since portable power sources are products that are used for a long time, it is also important to have a support system that you can consult when you encounter problems. When purchasing for disaster preparedness, it is especially important to check if the manufacturer is reliable. DJI has an after-sales service team in Japan and has built a rapid response support system available 365 days a year, allowing users to use our products with peace of mind. Details of the after-sales service can be confirmed here: https://www.dji.com/jp/support What is the Difference Between Capacity and Output of Portable Power Sources? 'Consider What Can Be Used and How Long It Can Be Used' When comparing portable power sources, specifications such as capacity (Wh) and rated output (W) are listed. However, many people may find it difficult to understand the differences just by looking at the numbers. Mizuguchi explains the difference as follows: 'It is about what can be used and how long it can be used.' In simple terms, capacity is a measure of how long it can be used, and output is a measure of what kind of equipment can be operated. 'For example, if you want to use a 100W electrical product for 5 hours, you would need a battery capacity of 100W × 5 hours = 500Wh. During a disaster, it is not about which is more important, but about the combination of necessary electrical products.' Therefore, when choosing a portable power source, instead of just thinking 'a large capacity is reassuring,' it is important to consider the following: How many times do you want to charge your smartphone? How many hours do you want to use lighting? Do you want to use an electric blanket or fan? What household appliances do you want to prioritize during a disaster? Mixing these factors and considering the necessary power to maintain life during a power outage is important. In the case of Power 1000 Mini, Charging Methods Are Also Important for Disaster Preparedness: Having Charging Methods Other Than Outlets is Reassuring When considering portable power sources for disaster preparedness, the variety of charging methods is also important. Mizuguchi says, 'Having multiple charging methods is important for stable charging. If charging is sufficient, it is easy to share power sources with multiple devices during a disaster.' In addition to household outlets, having flexibility such as being able to charge from a car, being compatible with solar panels, and being able to charge according to various situations makes it easier to cope with power outages or long-term power shortages. Also, during a power outage, instead of continuously using high-power household appliances for a long time, it is important to prioritize using limited power for communication, lighting, and necessary devices. 'Portability' is Also Important During Disasters: Portability is Important in Evacuation Shelters and Elderly Households While portable power sources tend to focus on capacity, portability is also important in actual disaster scenarios. Mizuguchi says that the first thing needed during a disaster is information gathering. 'Information gathering is an important issue for everyone during a disaster. Therefore, it is a good idea to prioritize power supply to smartphones and radios, and choose products that can be carried with a weight of around 10 kg, with an output of 500W and a capacity of 1000Wh.' To use smartphones or radios, it is essential to be able to carry the power source to the necessary location. In particular, portability is highly valuable in the following cases: For use in evacuation shelters, For the elderly to handle, For use while moving in nursing care settings, To carry to necessary rooms within the house. Even if the capacity is large, if it is too heavy, it may be difficult to use in an emergency. 'Whether it can be carried' is also an important criterion for choosing portable power sources for disaster preparedness. In what scenarios are compact portable power sources useful? Practical for evacuation shelters, nursing homes, and camping