Plan for medical devices that need power, cold or supplies
Some people depend on powered equipment (for example oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, pumps) or on medicines that must stay cold. These needs become hard design loads for the power and refrigeration systems.
How
- List each device: model, serial number, supplier, power draw from its label or manual, battery runtime from the manual, and consumables it uses.
- Ask the device supplier and prescriber what to do if the device fails or power is lost, and whether a manual or non-powered backup exists.
- Give the power designer the device watts and hours per day so it is counted as a critical load (see power-1). Use the energy calculator below for any medicine fridge.
- Keep the device manual, model and serial number and supplier contacts in a waterproof bag with the health file.
- If you run a generator as backup, run it outdoors, at least 20 feet (about 6 m) from doors, windows and vents, with a battery CO alarm indoors.
Safety: Never run a generator, grill or fuel heater indoors or in a garage: carbon monoxide can kill people who are asleep before they notice symptoms.
Do these first
Sources
- Power-Operated Medical Equipment (preparedness sheet). City of Houston Office of Emergency Management, accessed 2026-11
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics. CDC, accessed 2026-11
- Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), accessed 2026-11