This is something we all should consider and plan for. For example, I don't have bottled oxygen available so I keep extra batteries charged for the POC and have a charger that will run from the car. But I need to look at other items.
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Coping When the Electricity Goes Out
September 5, 2017
by Kim Fredrickson
Yesterday I had a difficult experience. It began when our electricity went out as it was turning dark. We didn’t know the cause of the power outage, or how long it would be out. We later learned that a tree in the neighborhood fell down and took out a transformer. I wasn’t concerned initially, other than the normal inconveniences everyone experiences.
I use liquid oxygen, which doesn’t require electricity, but I do use an oxygen concentrator at night. My husband and I took out our flashlights, and talked about what we should do. We initially decided to stay home and go to bed early.
After about 10 minutes we changed our mindsWe live in northern California, and it was 95 degrees (Fahrenheit) outside. After 10 minutes without electricity, it was 80 degrees in the house and climbing. I don’t do well in the heat because it makes it more difficult for me to breathe. I turned on a battery-operated portable fan, which helped only a little.
My husband said, “We can’t stay here, it isn’t safe for you.” I’m so grateful for him! He started packing a few things, including a concentrator and some cords to put in the car. I got on the phone to make a reservation at a hotel. It took me five tries before I found a hotel that wasn’t full.
It took about a half an hour to leave, and the temperature had climbed another few degrees. My husband filled up my portable stroller with liquid oxygen so I could get to and from the car. We packed and went to the hotel, and stayed there until morning, and I am so glad we did.
I learned a few things from this eventI was prepared by having:
a source of oxygen that didn’t require electricity
flashlights that worked
a battery-operated fan
a bag of oxygen cords, connectors and cannulas already packed to bring with us
I hadn’t considered:
how not having electricity would affect me on a really hot day
that I might have trouble finding a hotel room
I’m going to add the numbers of several hotels in the area to my bag of oxygen cords, connectors and cannulas so I don’t have to look them up, and add another set of batteries to run the fan.
All in all, it wasn’t very much to deal with – especially as I considered all those who are dealing with the hurricane and flooding in Texas and Louisiana. I kept thinking about what our fellow PF patients must be going through in those areas, and offering up prayers on their behalf.
How about you?pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/2017/09/05/pulmonary-fibrosis-patient-coped-electricity-out