Planning Power for Medical Devices

This is basic planning help. Your doctor, device supplier and manufacturer know your exact equipment. If you depend on a device to stay alive and power is out or about to be, get emergency help early. Do not wait.

Build your plan

1. Ask your doctor what to do if the device loses power, and how to store medicines that need refrigeration.
2. Ask the manufacturer or supplier whether the device runs on batteries or a generator, and how long.
3. Tell your electric company and fire department that you have a device that needs power, as FDA suggests.
4. Name a support network. PreparedBC suggests at least three trusted people. Show them how the equipment works.
5. Know where to go. Canada.ca suggests keeping a list of facilities that provide life-sustaining treatment. Plan an evacuation route that does not use elevators.
6. Keep backup batteries charged, and test them on a schedule.

The Red Cross advises having backup batteries and chargers in your go-kit, and evacuating if you rely on medical devices that need power.

During and after an outage

• Do not plug in a cord if the cord or device is wet.
• If oxygen is in use, use battery-powered lights and never gas lights or torches.
• After power returns, check the settings. FDA notes that devices often reset to default mode.
• Medical alert systems usually need a phone line, so keep another way to call.

Carbon monoxide warning. Generators, camp stoves, barbecues, charcoal, and kerosene or propane burners give off carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell and which can kill within minutes. Never use them indoors, or in a garage, basement, shed, tent or covered porch, even with doors and windows open. Outdoors, keep them at least 20 feet (6 m) from doors, windows and vents.

For extended care planning, including keeping medicines cool, see the medication section.