Power Outage Survival

When a major storm strikes, it poses an immediate threat to those in its path and can lead to widespread power outages. Flooding, high winds, and falling trees can damage power lines and other critical infrastructure. While power outages during storms are common, prolonged outages can lead to serious consequences, including disrupted communications, food spoilage, water contamination, and the inability to use essential medical devices.

How to Prepare for Power Outages

    • Take inventory of the devices in your home that rely on electricity and keep a stock of batteries or other alternative power sources. 
    • Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. 
    • Have flashlights for every household member. 
    • Keep nonperishable food and water on hand. 
    • When a major storm approaches, check power outages in your area frequently.
    • If you are dependent on medical equipment, we recommend you immediately get out of the impact area.  If you stay, you need a plan for an outage. O2 concentrators, ventilators, and CPAP machines all need a back up plan. 
      Plan on having three days of power supply for your equipment. 
    • If you are on O2, have several portable O2cylinders in reserves.  Have a list of friends or family that you can stay with, or find a local evacuation station where you can power up.  If you do leave your home, take your equipment and power cords with you.  These types of equipment run short at hospitals and ERs during a storm.

    What You Should Do During a Power Outage

    • Keep all refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food and use coolers full of ice if necessary. 
    • If you plan to use alternative power sources, install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in your home. 
    • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and only use generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills outside and at least 20 feet away from any structure. 
    • Read more generator safety tips.

    What You Should Do After Power Returns

    • Throw away any food exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. 
    • If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated unless the drug’s label says otherwise and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.