Power Outage Safety

Webinar: Preparedness for People with Energy-Dependent Medical Needs

When: Mar 11, 2026 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Power Outage Preparedness

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For Individuals with Energy-Dependent Medical Needs

If you rely on electricity for medical or assistive equipment, planning ahead can help keep you safe during a power outage. 

Power Outage Preparedness For Individuals with Energy-Dependent Medical Needs (2.54 MB)

✔ Plan for Your Medical Equipment

☐ List all medical devices that require electricity
(e.g., oxygen concentrator, CPAP/BiPAP, ventilator, feeding pump, dialysis equipment, power wheelchair)

☐ Contact your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider

  • Ask how long batteries will last
  • Ask about backup batteries or oxygen tanks
  • Ask what to do if power is out for a long time

☐ Ask your doctor or care provider what to do if your device stops working.

 

✔ Backup Power

☐ Know how long your equipment battery lasts

☐ Have extra batteries or backup power available

☐ Consider a portable power station or generator

☐ Keep charging cords and extension cords accessible

☐ If you use oxygen, keep backup oxygen tanks available

 

✔ Medications and Supplies

☐ Keep at least a 7-day supply of medications if possible

☐ Maintain extra medical supplies such as:

  • Oxygen tubing
  • Feeding supplies
  • Catheters
  • Batteries
  • Charging cords

☐ Keep a list of medications and medical conditions

 

✔ Make a Support Plan

☐ Identify friends or family you could stay with if power is out

☐ Arrange transportation if you need to leave home

☐ Identify community locations with power
(libraries, community centers, shelters)

☐ Pack a medical go-bag with medications, supplies, and equipment accessories

 

✔ Stay Connected

☐ Register for emergency alerts through NOCOAlert at: nocoalert.com. List any special medical considerations when you register.

☐ Register for your utility company’s medical or life-support registry (if available)

☐ Keep important phone numbers available:

  • Doctor
  • Medical equipment provider
  • Pharmacy
  • Power company
  • Emergency contacts

☐ Keep a charged cell phone and backup battery

 

✔ When the Power Goes Out

☐ Turn on backup power or batteries immediately

☐ Contact your medical equipment provider if your device stops working

☐ Move to a location with power if the outage will last longer than your backup power

☐ Call 911 if your health or safety is at risk

 

Quick Safety Tip

Test your backup batteries and power plan at least once a year to make sure everything works.

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Prepare Your Home

  • Set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to keep food cold for up to four hours in the fridge and up to 48 hours in the freezer.
  • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances or equipment that could surge when power returns.
  • Consider purchasing portable charger banks and stock up on batteries.
  • Designate a dedicated outdoor space for generators, grills and stoves, and make sure they are functioning properly. Do not operate these items indoors or in partially enclosed spaces.
  • Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank
  • Practice opening garage doors without the electronic motor. 

Prepare Yourself and Your Community

  • Write down emergency numbers and critical contact information.
  • Acquire a first aid kit of sufficient size for your household and keep it stocked.
  • Keep an emergency supply of prescription and non-prescription medications on hand, and plan for medications, like insulin, that require refrigeration.
  • Fully charge personal phones and medical devices, and ensure a backup power source is available for electrically powered medical equipment.
  • Check in with your neighbors, especially the elderly and those with disabilities.
  • Keep your pets’ needs in mind when obtaining supplies.

If you are energy dependent, please contact your provider for guidance.

Food Safety 

Follow this general food safety guidance if you experience a power outage that lasts more than four hours:

  • Your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible.
  • Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power.
  • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
  • If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.
  • Never taste food to determine its safety.
  • Visit FoodSafety.gov to download detailed guides on how to handle specific food items after a power outage.
  • When in doubt, throw it out!

Retail food establishments, including restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores, can find food safety guidance for power outages on our Food Safety page.