Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
Posted on December 30, 2015 |
The extreme weather conditions that have affected so many across the country this week are particularly concerning to those who require electricity to power their supplemental oxygen. Are you prepared for an emergency? Download the COPD Foundation's free Disaster Preparedness Kit and take the following precautions:
- Contact your oxygen provider and ask how much oxygen needs to be placed in your home so that oxygen flow is uninterrupted during a power outage. Your oxygen provider has an obligation to maintain your supply during emergencies. Your oxygen provider may set up one or more large compressed oxygen cylinders in your home for emergency use. Prepare the cylinder for quick use during an emergency and label it with its duration. If you receive regular deliveries of liquid oxygen, your provider may choose to set up additional reservoirs, topping them off periodically. Prepare your liquid tank for quick use during an emergency and label it with its duration. When the concentrator stops, you will need someone else to switch you over to the emergency oxygen. Train that person as soon as possible.
- Consider installing a generator if you live in a remote area and/or you experience frequent power outages.
- Develop an emergency preparedness plan with your neighbors and reach out to your local police department for emergency support information.
Have the following items strategically placed in your home:
- A battery-powered radio with fresh batteries
- A cell phone or a telephone that does not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work
- Flashlights with fresh batteries
- Medications and prescriptions
While it takes some additional effort, making preparations is crucial as the weather becomes increasingly unpredictable. Remember, no one knows how long an outage will last, perhaps for hours or days. If a power outage occurs, immediately call your power company.