Power Outages & Medical Devices

When the power goes out, some people lose more than lights. Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, ventilators, powered beds, wheelchairs and refrigerated medicine all depend on electricity. Planning ahead can save a life.

• Families
• Caregivers
• Older Adults

Make a plan now

• List every device that needs power, how long it can run on battery and what you do if it stops
• Talk to your doctor or equipment supplier about a backup plan, including battery packs, portable oxygen cylinders or a manual alternative
• Register with your electric utility as a customer who depends on medical equipment. Many utilities keep a list, though it does not guarantee power
• Tell your local emergency management office and fire department. Some places have registries for people with special needs
• Keep a written list of medications, devices and doctors' numbers. See Medication Safety
• Choose a place to go, such as a friend's home with power, a hospital or a shelter with medical support. See Going to an Emergency Shelter

Backup power options

• Battery backup or UPS sized for the device. Ask the supplier for runtime.
• Portable power stations can run CPAP or small devices for hours. Check the device's wattage and the station's capacity.
• Car inverter as a short-term source. Never run a vehicle in a closed garage.
• Generator: use only outdoors, far from windows, doors and vents, with carbon monoxide alarms inside. See Power Outages & Generators.
• Oxygen users must never smoke or allow flames within the safety distance. See Home Oxygen.

Medicines that need cold

• Ask the pharmacist how long insulin and other medicines can stay safe at room temperature. Many are fine for a limited time. Check the label.
• Use a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs, with a thermometer to check the temperature.

During an outage

• Switch to your backup immediately and conserve battery.
• Stay cool or warm as needed. See Extreme Heat at Home.
• Call your doctor, supplier or 911 if a device stops and you cannot manage. Tell responders about equipment.
• Check on neighbors who may depend on devices.

Last updated: October 8, 2026