A power outage can be stressful for anyone. But if you rely on oxygen or medical equipment that needs electricity, losing power can affect your health.
The best time to prepare for a power outage is before it happens. “Disruptions in medical care can be life-threatening. If a natural or man-made disaster disrupts your electricity, it can put you or your loved one's health at risk,” said Nathaniel Fox, MD, an emergency medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine.
Who needs a medical equipment power outage plan?
You need a power outage plan if you use:
- Oxygen
- CPAP
- A ventilator
- Feeding pump
- Suction device
- Home dialysis equipment
- Refrigerated medication
- Any medical device that depends on electricity or batteries
Start with your provider and equipment supplier
“It is important to have conversations with your medical providers regarding short-, medium-, and long-term care, especially if you live in or around areas with the threat of disasters,” Dr. Fox said. “Many people do not have a plan in place. If you are unlucky enough to experience a disaster, your plan will help provide a framework for your response.”
Before a power outage, ask your provider and equipment supplier:
- How long your device can run on battery
- What backup options are available
- When you should get emergency care
Ask whether you can adjust your settings during an emergency. Don’t change oxygen flow, ventilator settings, pump settings or device settings unless your care team tells you to do so.
These resources can also help you plan for disasters:
Make a backup power plan
Plan for your power needs when you don’t have electricity:
Know your device’s battery life
- Write down the battery runtime for each device
- Know if changing your settings affects the battery life
- Always keep batteries fully charged
- Replace batteries on schedule
- Make sure you know how to switch from wall power to battery power
- Keep chargers, cords and adapters together
Consider backup power options
Options may include:
- Extra batteries
- A portable power station approved for your device
- A generator (used safely outdoors)
- Car charger or inverter, if approved for the device
- Backup oxygen
- An alternate location with power
If you use oxygen, plan for outages before they happen
Prepare to:
- Switch to your approved backup oxygen source
- Monitor how long your oxygen will last
- Get emergency care if you can’t maintain your oxygen supply or have trouble breathing
If you use CPAP or BiPAP, ask about safe backup options
Ask your provider or equipment supplier about battery backup, safe power sources and what to do if you cannot use your device during an outage. Some machines have battery packs or compatible power options.
If you use a feeding pump, infusion pump or refrigerated medication
Ask your provider or pharmacist what to do during a power outage and keep backup supplies, cold packs and written instructions ready.
Feeding pumps and infusion pumps
- Know the battery life and charging instructions
- Ask whether there is a manual backup plan and who should help
- Follow food safety and formula storage guidance
Refrigerated medication
- Keep a cooler and cold packs ready
- Use a thermometer if recommended
- Do not use medication that may have been unsafe without asking your pharmacist or provider
- Get refills early if you expect storms or planned outages
Notify your power company
Make sure you tell your power company that you rely on oxygen or other medical equipment. That information may help them prioritize but it doesn’t guarantee that your power will be turned on again quickly.
Build a medical equipment emergency kit
A medical equipment emergency kit should include:
- Device instructions
- Backup batteries
- Chargers
- Extra supplies
- Medication lists
- Provider contacts
- Prescriptions
- Oxygen supplies if needed
- A plan for refrigerated medications
Know where you can go if power does not return
Identify a safe backup location with power before an outage happens and go there before your batteries or oxygen supply are nearly gone.
Backup locations may include:
- The home of a family member or friend
- A hotel
- A community center
- A shelter
- An emergency department, depending on your medical needs
During a power outage: What to do first
- Make sure everyone is safe
- Switch medical equipment to battery or backup power
- Check estimated battery or oxygen runtime
- Contact your power company or check outage alerts
- Contact your equipment supplier if you need help with backup supplies
- Call your provider if you are not sure if it is safe to stay home
- Move to your backup location if power may be out longer than your backup supply
- Call 911 if symptoms are urgent or equipment failure puts your health at risk
When to get emergency care
Call 911 or seek emergency care during a power outage if:
- Your equipment stops working
- Backup power or oxygen is running out
- You cannot safely stay home
- You have
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Blue lips, face or fingers
After power comes back on
- Check your equipment for damage
- Recharge your batteries
- Replace your supplies
- Contact your provider or equipment supplier if any device malfunctioned or your treatment was interrupted
- Review what worked and what didn’t
- Update your plan before the next outage
Bottom line
If you use oxygen, CPAP, a feeding pump or other medical equipment, a power outage backup plan can help you stay safe.
Need help preparing for a power outage due to a medical condition? Connect with a Banner Health provider who can help you understand your health risks and needs and create an emergency care plan.
Frequently asked questions about power outages and medical equipment
What should I do if my oxygen concentrator stops working during a power outage?
Switch to your approved backup oxygen source if you have one and contact your oxygen supplier. Get emergency care if you cannot maintain your oxygen supply, have trouble breathing or your backup oxygen is running out.
Can I use a generator for medical equipment?
Some equipment may be used with a generator if the device manufacturer says it is safe. Generators must be used outdoors and away from windows, doors and garages because of carbon monoxide risk.
Will my power company restore my power first if I use medical equipment?
Some power companies offer medical needs programs or outage alerts but they may not guarantee immediate restoration. You still need backup power and a relocation plan.
How long do medical device batteries last?
Battery life varies by device, age, settings and use. Ask your equipment supplier for the expected runtime and keep that information in your emergency plan.
What should I do if I use CPAP and the power goes out?
Use an approved battery backup if you have one. Before a power outage happens, ask your sleep medicine provider or equipment supplier what to do if you can’t use CPAP, especially if you have severe sleep apnea.
How do I keep medication cold during a power outage?
Ask your pharmacist how long your medication can safely be out of the refrigerator. Keep a cooler, cold packs and thermometer ready. Do not use medication that may have become unsafe without checking with your provider first.
What should be in an emergency kit for medical equipment?
Include device instructions, backup batteries, chargers, extra supplies, medication lists, prescriptions, provider contacts, equipment supplier contacts and any oxygen, feeding or pump supplies you may need.
When should I call 911 during a power outage?
Call 911 if life-sustaining equipment stops working, backup power or oxygen is running out, you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, blue lips or you cannot safely relocate.
