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    Power Outage Prep

    Be ready when lights go out.

    Register with utility company

    • Call utility — ask about Medical Priority list.
    • Free service for medical equipment users.
    • Oxygen concentrators, CPAP, dialysis, etc.
    • You get priority restoration.
    • Sometimes notified before planned outages.
    • Doctor signature usually required.

    Backup power options

    • Portable power station — Jackery, EcoFlow ($300+).
    • Charges phones, runs CPAP, lights.
    • Solar panels can recharge them.
    • Small generator — propane or gas ($500+).
    • Whole-house generator — Generac ($5,000+).
    • Even a $50 portable battery helps.

    Phone + communication

    • Keep phone fully charged when storms approach.
    • 2+ portable chargers (power banks).
    • Hand-crank emergency radio with phone charger.
    • Car phone charger works during outages.
    • Text uses less power than calls.
    • Save cell battery for emergencies.

    Heat + cold safety

    • Cold: layer clothing, blankets, hats indoors.
    • Never use grill or generator indoors — CO poisoning.
    • Heat: open windows nighttime, close + shade by day.
    • Stay hydrated — even cool day matters.
    • Battery-powered fans help in heat.
    • Visit air-conditioned cooling center if needed.

    Food safety

    • Keep refrigerator + freezer closed as long as possible.
    • Refrigerator stays cold ~4 hours unopened.
    • Freezer stays cold ~48 hours full, ~24 hours half.
    • Cooler with ice for important meds (insulin).
    • When in doubt, throw it out.
    • Discard meat above 40°F for 2+ hours.

    When to leave home

    • Outage extending beyond 24 hours.
    • Home temperature unsafe (too hot/cold).
    • Medical equipment can't function.
    • Family or hotel as backup.
    • Red Cross shelters available in disasters.
    • Don't hesitate — pride doesn't keep you safe.

    Get on the medical priority list

    If you use any medical equipment that requires electricity — CPAP, oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, dialysis machine, electric wheelchair — call your electric utility today and ask about their medical priority program. It's free, takes 10 minutes to sign up, and ensures you're among the first restored after outages. Your doctor signs a form. This is one of the most important calls a senior with medical needs can make.