What needs a power plan
Medical devices that require backup power planning include CPAP and BiPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, powered wheelchairs and scooters, nebulizers, infusion pumps, and home dialysis equipment. If someone in your household depends on a powered medical device, a power outage is a medical event.
Batteries, generators, and registration
Portable battery packs designed for CPAP machines can run most units for 1 to 3 nights. Purpose-built medical batteries are available for most common devices. Test them before you need them.
Contact your power utility to register as a medical-priority customer. This does not guarantee uninterrupted power but may qualify you for faster restoration, advance outage notifications, and priority during planned shutoffs.
If the outage will exceed your backup capacity, have a plan to relocate to a facility with power: a friend's home, a shelter, or a hotel.
One page, posted, practiced
Create a one-page power outage plan for every medical device in the household. Include: the device, its power requirements, the backup power source, how long the backup lasts, and the plan if backup runs out. Post it where caregivers can find it. Review with anyone who might be responsible during an emergency.
- Register with your power utility as a medical-priority customer
- CPAP battery packs run most machines for 1-3 nights
- Test backup power before you need it
- Written plan: device, backup source, duration, fallback location
- If backup capacity is exceeded, relocate to a facility with power
- Disability and Access Needs — FEMA guidance on planning for medical devices during emergencies.