Backup Planning for Oxygen Equipment During Power Outages

Quick Summary:

If you rely on oxygen equipment, plan ahead for potential power outages. Keeping backup oxygen supplies, having trusted contacts, and knowing how much oxygen you have are all important parts of emergency planning.

Introduction

Power outages are a concern and a nuisance for many people, but for those who use home oxygen equipment, it can be dangerous. However, it doesn't have to be if you plan ahead and prepare for potential power outages. Being prepared for a power outage means having a backup oxygen source on hand and ensuring it's accessible during an emergency.

 

Choosing a Backup Oxygen Source

The first step in making a backup plan is knowing your needs and being familiar with your oxygen devices. Review your device manuals or ask your healthcare provider how to use them during a power outage. Some medical equipment may be compatible with a battery or generator. You can also discuss backup oxygen source options, how to use them, and how to ensure your backups match your prescribed oxygen flow.

Street view of a house with no lights onStreet view of a house with no lights on

Your doctor may suggest two backup oxygen sources:

  • Compressed oxygen cylinders: Stand-alone oxygen tanks that do not require electricity. Always keep backup cylinders in an easily accessible place.
  • Portable oxygen concentrator (POC): A smaller oxygen concentrator that depends on charged batteries for portability. If you use a POC as a backup, keep the batteries fully charged in case of an emergency. Always have compatible car chargers on hand as an alternate charging method.

 

Keeping Backup Equipment and Information Ready

Whatever backup equipment you choose, keep it, along with charged batteries, compatible chargers, equipment manuals, nasal cannulas, and other required accessories, in an easily accessible place that you can reach quickly in case of an outage.

Some tips for keeping important information ready before an outage happens include:

  • Keep important contact information for your doctor, electric company, fire department, and transportation contacts in one place.
  • Note your backup oxygen device’s make and model. Also note your prescribed settings. Keep this for quick reference when contacting an oxygen supplier or emergency service.
  • Check with the manufacturer or equipment manual to note expected battery runtime and cylinder duration so you can plan ahead for outages.
  • Regularly check your backup setup to make sure the batteries are charged, and alternate charging options still work.
  • Double-check your oxygen supplies are stored safely. Keep extra batteries in your emergency supply.
  • Make sure you know how to safely use oxygen cylinders and connect your nasal cannula.
  • Contact your electric company, police, and fire departments to ask about medical-needs programs and outage alerts. Many utility companies offer programs for customers with medical needs, which may involve prioritized outage alerts and expediting power restoration to your area.

 

Preparing Caregivers and Household Members

Once you have your backup oxygen supply, let a trusted caregiver, family member, friend, roommate, neighbor, etc. know where your emergency supplies are stored in case you can't reach them in an emergency. They should also know how to set it up and use it. Keep the following tips in mind when preparing a trusted caregiver for an emergency:

  • When you choose a trusted contact, ask them to check on you if the power ever goes out. Ask them to keep backup oxygen supplies on hand.
  • Practice switching from your primary oxygen source to the backup system with your trusted caregiver before an emergency or outage occurs.
  • Keep a paper copy of important phone numbers and also give a copy to a trusted caregiver to have on hand.
  • If you know someone close to you who has access to a generator, they may be the person you should stay with during an outage. Before an outage occurs, make sure you and that person know how to use an oxygen source with a generator.
  • If a generator is used to power an oxygen concentrator or charge its batteries, confirm that the generator and device are compatible. Operate portable generators outdoors and away from windows, doors, and other openings, following both the generator and oxygen concentrator instructions.
  • Try to choose more than one trusted contact. Your primary contact may not be available during an outage. The more people you can ask to check up on you, the better.
Older and younger woman chat on the couchOlder and younger woman chat on the couch

Planning for Longer Outages and Relocation

A backup oxygen cylinder or a charged portable oxygen concentrator may not be enough for a prolonged outage. Before this kind of outage occurs, plan ahead with the following:

  • Look for local shelters and emergency resources in your area. For example, the American Red Cross has shelter locations across the country that provide services during emergencies, often with charging stations. Contact the shelter you find in your area ahead of time to learn what services they offer in an emergency and whether they can accommodate your oxygen and/or charging needs.
  • Identify a safe, nearby location you can go to in an emergency, such as the home of a trusted neighbor, friend, family member, or caregiver. Note someone trusted you can call to pick you up from your home and take you to a safe location during an emergency.
  • In a prolonged outage, you may need to relocate temporarily until power services are restored. Ensure you have several trusted contacts in mind (and their contact information handy) whom you can safely stay with during an extended power outage.
  • Have a stock of backup oxygen equipment accessible in case you need to relocate during an emergency. If possible, keep a bag packed with backup oxygen supplies.
  • Do not lower oxygen settings to make an oxygen cylinder or battery life last longer. It may be tempting to reduce or otherwise alter prescribed oxygen settings during a prolonged outage; however, DO NOT do this without consulting or being specifically directed by your healthcare provider.

 

Checking Equipment After Power Returns

Once power returns, your instinct may be to reconnect to your primary oxygen source immediately. However, your devices can reset or become damaged during a power outage. Check the following before resuming regular use:

  • Confirm that your device settings have not changed or been reset to factory settings. Some medical devices reset to a default mode when they lose power.
  • Check for water before plugging in your oxygen device. Do not plug in a power cord if the device or the cord is wet. If the device or cords sustained any physical damage during the outage, do not use them until a professional has evaluated them.
  • Double-check for signs of a power surge. Power outages can cause power surges that can fry a device plugged into an outlet. Check for flickering screens, burn marks near the outlet, and verify the device still turns on normally.
  • Start refreshing your backup supply. Recharge any batteries used during the outage, and arrange for cylinder refills if necessary.

 

Conclusion

You can be prepared for a future power outage by choosing a backup oxygen source to store safely in your home. Know its expected duration, how to switch to the backup source quickly, and make sure your caregivers also know how to help you in an emergency.

Vitality Medical is a great source for portable oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, batteries, and more oxygen supplies. Shop our selection and complete your emergency backup plan today.

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