Every year, we like to send a note out several times over the course of winter and even during warmer months if there is a chance that weather will cause a power outage. I know that folks with cancer or other serious illness already have a lot on their minds just dealing with this disease, so please, if you know someone who may be alone, check on them today with this coming weather to be sure they have what they need. If they are using oxygen, please check to see if they have a large back-up O2 tank in the event of a power failure and be sure they can get to it easily and that it is indeed functional. Be sure their O2 hose is long enough to reach from the back-up tank to the an area where they are warm and can rest comfortably. If there are any issues, please call the O2 provider to get it resolved.
Check to see if the person has registered their home with the power company as a home where someone has a medical need and need to be prioritized for power recovery as soon as possible. Most back-up tanks are 24-36 hours plus any mobile tanks available that are used while traveling to and from appointments. I have experienced times where the provider placed the tanks too far from the patient’s reach. Please lend a hand if you can.
Also, be sure the person has sufficient bottles of water or pots of water on the stove for drinking and a tub full of water for flushing the toilets. Remember, many folks in rural areas are on a well source for water. With no power, there is no water.