Power outages aren’t very common, but when they do happen in your community, do you know what to do?

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• https://www.chooseenergy.com/emergency-preparedness-elderly/