Your Power Just Went Out. Now What

What would you do if your power went out and you relied upon electricity for heat, assistive technology, or medical devices? This is the situation Ian Ruder, Editor-in-Chief of our membership publication, New Mobility, recently faced.

"Huddled by the gas fireplace in the corner of my kitchen, I worried the winter storm had broken me," wrote Ian in Trapped in the Kitchen.

"For most of the previous week, I'd been eating, sleeping and living within a 5-foot radius of the fireplace. Forecasters had warned an 'arctic blast' would bring snow, ice and record low temperatures, but having weathered many previous 'blasts' - including many that never blasted off - I thought I knew what I was in for. I was wrong."

Helpful Tips for Your Own Back-Up Power Plan

New Mobility Editor-in-Chief Ian Ruder huddles near a gas fireplace.

Ian made it through that terrible week with his characteristic ingenuity and his support system's help. To help you craft your own plan for what to do if you lose power, our Emergency Preparedness Working Group members compiled the following checklist:

• Always have a backup source and get advice from your power company regarding the type of backup power you plan to use. Options include portable, permanent or fixed generators, portable solar generators and battery backup with inverter/charger.
• Keep a list of alternate power providers in your area. The Department of Energy's Planning for Renewable Energy Systems is a great place to look for ideas on renewable energy.
• If you have a generator, know how to use it safely and outdoors. Read the instructions and talk to equipment suppliers about your system. Also, regularly check your generator or other alternative power equipment to ensure it will work during an emergency.
• Teach your neighbors and caregivers how to use your backup systems and operate your equipment.
• Contact your power and water companies about your life-support devices in advance of any disaster. Ask if they have a "priority reconnection service" list and map for the locations of power-dependent customers.
• Label all equipment with your name, address, and phone number. Attach simple and clear instruction cards to equipment and cover them with clear packing or mailing tape. Also, keep copies of each piece of equipment's instructions and serial and model numbers in a waterproof container or in your emergency supply kits.

The ADA National Network provides a thorough factsheet on power outages. United Spinal's Ready to Roll Program also offers a resource about dealing with local power outages.

Learn More

See The Wheelchair Emergency Preparedness Compendium You Always Wanted for more Emergency Preparedness Resources. United Spinal Association's Ready to Roll program, in partnership with the Neilsen Foundation, provides disaster relief for wheelchair users. To learn if you qualify, contact our Resource Center.

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