Power outages aren’t very common, but when they do happen in your community, do you know what to do?
Preparing for power outage emergencies won’t be as easy as getting a 72-hour emergency kit ready—especially if you are an elderly or are caring for someone who is.
Here are a few things that may help you ensure your safety or of the elderly in your care.
IDENTIFY THE RISKS
Knowing what you’re up against is a big step toward being prepared.
WHAT CAUSED THE POWER OUTAGE?
- Natural disaster.
- Accidents leading to power failure.
WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE RISKS?
- Do you live alone?
- Do you drive or own a car?
- Do you have any physical, medical, thinking or learning limitations?
- Smell.
- Hearing.
- Mobility.
- Vision.
- Communication.
- Are you reliant upon any medical equipment or assistive technologies?
- Are you reliant upon a caregiver?
HOW WILL THE POWER OUTAGE IMPACT YOU OR THEM IN THE NEXT 72 HOURS?
Below you’ll find helpful checklists for when there’s a power outage in your area—covering different scenarios and circumstances.
CREATE YOUR PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK (FAMILY, NEIGHBORS, AND FRIENDS) AHEAD OF TIME
- Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
- Get your family, neighbors and friends to assist during a power outage.
- Call your local emergency management office.
- Ask what their emergency plans are and how they can assist you.
- Ask for their list of contacts and of the numbers of nearby health care facilities—keep these numbers close.
GATHER ALL RELEVANT MEDICAL INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS FOR EASY ACCESS
- Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
- Prepare medical alert tags or bracelets to wear during the emergency.
- Outline your needs. This is in case you will be moved to a facility so first responders will be informed on the type of help you need.
- Prepare your medical documents and records so medical personnel will be to see to your medical needs.
- Prepare a list of your medication.
- State the best way to communicate with you. This is important especially if you or the person in your care needs to be brought to a facility that is unfamiliar with your needs.
PREP A 72-HOUR EMERGENCY KIT
- Use battery operated flashlights and lanterns. DO NOT USE CANDLES.
- Unplug all major appliances so they won’t be damaged by the electrical surge when the power is restored.
- Store your supplies in a container that has wheels.
- Label your emergency medical supplies with large print text or Braille.
- Label your equipment and assistive devices, like wheelchairs, canes or walkers, with your name, address and phone numbers.
- Get ice or frozen cold packs in a small ice chest to store your medicines in.
- Keep your emergency contact list close and contact them as soon as you can.
- Pack plenty of batteries and power banks for your assistive devices.
- Pack plenty of lighting resources like flashlights and lamps (if you have a power generator, even better!).
- Prepare food and water supplies for up to 72 hours.
- Ready blankets and extra clothing for warmth.
- Set aside extra money, as well as the documents you’ll need to secure social security and other regular benefits.
- Don’t forget to prepare emergency kits for your pets/service animals
HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND/OR ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
- Prepare batteries or alternate sources of power that will sustain you and your medical equipment/assistive technology for the next 72 hours.
- If you have a hearing disability, prepare a TTY (or Text Telephone), or extra batteries for your assistive devices.
- Contact your doctor or health care provider and ask for nearby alternatives you can relocate to for help during a power outage.
- Use portable generators cautiously.
- Make sure you operate them outdoors, in a well-ventilated area.
- Do not connect your generator to your home’s electrical system (unless using an approved transfer switch that is compliant with your local electrical code).
ALTERNATE COMMUNICATION OPTIONS CHECKLIST
- Prepare cards with phrases, pictures, or pictograms for communication, so your support network or first responders can communicate with you.
- If you are visually impaired, or care for one:
- Prepare Braille or text communication cards for communication.
- Label your emergency supplies with Braille or large print texts
SCHEDULED TREATMENTS/THERAPEUTIC CARE ALTERNATIVES CHECKLIST
If you or the senior citizen in your care requires regular medical treatments like dialysis, or other procedures, call your clinic or hospital to.
- Ask about their emergency plans and processes and how they can help you during the crisis.
- Ask for their back-up medical treatment providers close to your location
MOBILITY AND MOVEMENT CHECKLIST
- Prepare extra battery packs if you or the person in your care uses a power wheelchair.
- Prepare an extra manual mobility aid like a cane, walker, or manual wheelchair as your alternative for moving around.
- Store your supplies in one or more easy-to-carry containers, such as a backpack or a duffel bag.
- Plan and prepare your transportation options, in case you need to move to a clinic or hospital for care and assistance during the emergency.
- If you have a personal vehicle, keep your gas tank full.
A little planning can go a long way to making sure you or the person in your care is safe and taken care of. Keep to this list and don’t worry: you’ll find that there will always be people to help you during emergencies.
SOURCES
- Preparedness information for people with disabilities., American Public Health Association.
- Disaster Planning For Older Adults, Insurance Information Institute.
- Emergency Preparedness Tips for Senior Citizens, Senior Citizen’s Guide.
- Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors, American Red Cross.
- The Importance of a Personal Support Network, American Red Cross.
- Power Outages, Ready.gov
For more information: https://www.chooseenergy.com