Check engine/battery

The check engine and check battery lights both came on and shortly after the car stopped. I had heard a squealing noise that morning but it was very short term and it never came on unless the A/C was running. I had just been advised to change the fan belts but it was not urgent the engine never overheated. could it just be simple fan belts? The reason I am asking is I just had surgery on my neck and cannot work on the car so I am trying to decide if worth fixing.