Sustaining Through a Loss of Power

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Power outages increase the risk for adverse health events, especially for patients with chronic medical conditions. 

• Patients who rely on electrically powered medical devices need access to electrical back-up to power their devices
• Power outages may limit access to water, especially those dependent on private wells

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- Identify ways a power outage may impact your patient's health (eg, refrigerated medication needs, ventilators, assisted ambulation, etc)
- Have a plan for how to generate backup power and/or have backup batteries as needed
- Assess the battery duration of any lifesaving, electricity-dependent care devices such as ventilators to assess backup power needs
- Save potable water if reliant on an electric pump for well water
- Safety Tip: Carbon monoxide poisoning risk is associated with using generators
- Have plans for heating and/or cooling 

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