Be Storm Weather Ready

September is National Preparedness Month! In August we sent an email about preparing for weather events like hurricanes when the remnant of Tropical Storm Isaias affected our area. Hurricane Laura devastated much of Louisiana's Gulf just a few weeks ago, and hurricane season doesn’t end for two more months. Here in New England, tropical storm season is followed quickly by hazardous winter weather. Both seasons carry the threat of power outages. These concerns are heightened if you rely on home respiratory equipment like portable oxygen, a nebulizer or a CPAP machine. As a home respiratory equipment provider, we are acutely aware of what patients deal with as they prepare for bad weather. Here’s some of our best tips to alleviate some of that stress.

Charge Up

What powers so many of your favorite electronic devices? Batteries! Make sure to charge important devices ahead of a storm. Prioritize cell phones, tablets and back up batteries – especially those that power your medical devices.

Fill Up

Before a storm hits, fill your car and/or generator’s gas tank. If you lose power in your home, you can charge small electronic devices in your vehicle. In the event that government officials order an evacuation in your area, a full tank of gas gives you security when getting on the road.

Equipment

Do you rely on portable oxygen equipment? Use up portable tanks first in the event of a power outage. Check and fill up backup tanks before the storm hits. If you do lose power and your backup tanks are empty, contact your oxygen provider immediately.

Tips for CPAP Users

If you own a CPAP, stock up on necessary supplies. Order masks, filters, tubing or cushions as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the day before the storm hits! For extra security, invest in batteries to keep your CPAP running even in a power outage.

More Tips

Test and replace flashlight batteries and/or stock up on candles should you need to navigate in the dark. If you use oxygen, keep a safe distance from open flames. Have a week’s supply of bottled water for you and your family. As a New Englander, you know the weather changes quickly, so pay close attention to local and national weather reports. If trees, large limbs, or power lines are down, call your local authorities and do not attempt to move them yourself. Need to leave your home after a snowstorm? Ask a neighbor or friend ahead of time to plow or shovel your driveway. To avoid carbon monoxide buildup, never run your vehicle or generator in an enclosed space like a garage. If there’s snow on the ground, clear the area in and around the exhaust pipe to ensure proper ventilation.

If you use portable oxygen or another form of home respiratory equipment and you lose power, contact your home respiratory equipment provider immediately. Our team at Absolute Respiratory has a 24 hour emergency on call policy, in addition to a large supply of back up oxygen tanks and other resources.

Get Absolutely Prepared

Absolute Respiratory is your go-to source of home respiratory and oxygen emergency services. Get and stay prepared with our team who’s here for you before, during and after the storm.

Questions about our services or want to share your best bad weather preparation tip? Email social@absoluterespiratorycare.com. We look forward to hearing from you!