Make an Outage Plan for Medical Devices
Document a medical device's power needs and coordinate practical backup planning with the equipment provider and electric utility.
List the device and its power needs
Write down each device that depends on electricity, its model if known, how it is powered, and whether it must operate continuously. Include supporting equipment such as chargers, batteries, or a temperature-controlled medicine container. Keep the device instructions and provider contact details with the list.
Do not estimate safe operating time from appearance or from another person's device. A breathing support device, powered mobility equipment, or other medical technology can have specific power requirements. Ask the equipment provider or clinician what the device needs and what steps are appropriate if electricity is interrupted.
Ask about backup options in advance
Contact the medical equipment provider and ask what backup power options are compatible with the device, how to check them, and what signs mean you should seek help. Ask whether they have an after-hours contact method. Follow the device manufacturer's and clinician's guidance; a general battery pack may not be suitable for medical equipment.
Also contact the electric utility to ask how to report the medical power need and what information it requires. Ask what notification or planning options are available in your area, and how the utility communicates during an outage. Registration or a note on an account should not be treated as a guarantee that service will continue or be restored first.
Write down the first steps
Create a short plan that states whom to call, where compatible backup equipment is stored, and what action the care team recommends if backup power is limited. Include the device provider, utility, clinician, and emergency contact numbers as appropriate. Keep a printed copy accessible to caregivers and household members.
For example, the first line might direct a caregiver to check the device's approved backup indicator, then call the equipment provider's listed number if it is not functioning as expected. The actual sequence should come from the provider's instructions, not from a generic template.
Review the plan with the people who may use it
Ask a caregiver or household member to read through the plan and identify missing information. Check that backup equipment is charged or maintained according to its instructions, and confirm contact details when providers change. If the device's needs change, update the plan and discuss the new requirements with the clinician and utility.
A written plan cannot replace medical advice, but it can help the household communicate clearly when service is interrupted. Keep the instructions specific to the device and make sure everyone knows where to find them.
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