Medical Electrical Needs

Preparing for Power Outages When You Have Medical Needs

We understand that some customers rely on electricity to power medical equipment that supports health, safety, and independence. Power outages can occur unexpectedly due to storms, vehicle accidents, wildfire risk, equipment failure, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or other emergencies. Because electric service cannot be guaranteed at all times, it is important to have a plan in place before an outage occurs. Customers who depend on electricity for medical equipment should always be prepared to be without power for an extended period.

Do You Depend on Electricity for Medical Equipment?

If you use any device that depends on electricity, we encourage you to review your emergency preparedness plan regularly.   Learn more about preparing for an emergency here.

Examples of equipment that may require electricity include:

  • Oxygen concentrators
  • CPAP and BiPAP machines
  • Ventilators and breathing devices
  • Home dialysis equipment
  • Power wheelchairs and scooters
  • Suction devices
  • Refrigerated medications
  • Other battery-powered or plug-in medical devices


How to Prepare Before an Outage

Know Your Equipment

  • Review the manufacturer's instructions for your medical equipment.
  • Understand how long backup batteries will operate your device.
  • Keep instruction manuals readily available.
  • Maintain a list of equipment model numbers and emergency contacts.

Create a Backup Power Plan

  • Speak with your healthcare provider and equipment supplier about backup power options.
  • Keep batteries fully charged and replace them as recommended.
  • Consider backup power solutions, such as a back-up or standby generator, that are appropriate for your equipment and circumstances.  Learn more about generators here.
  • Test backup equipment periodically to ensure it is functioning properly.

Identify Alternative Locations

Plan ahead for places you could go if an outage lasts longer than your backup power supply, such as:

  • Family or friends' homes
  • Community resource centers
  • Hotels
  • Other locations with reliable power

Do not wait until batteries are depleted to make relocation arrangements.

 Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Consider including:

  • Extra batteries and charging cords
  • Flashlights and fresh batteries
  • Cell phone charging options
  • A list of medications
  • Emergency contact information
  • Copies of medical prescriptions
  • Equipment instructions
  • Food and water supplies appropriate for your needs

 Prepare Your Support Network

  • Share your outage plan with family members, caregivers, neighbors, and friends.
  • Ensure trusted individuals know how to operate your equipment and backup systems.
  • Keep important phone numbers accessible.

During an Outage 

  • Monitor the remaining battery life of your medical equipment.
  • Follow your emergency preparedness plan.
  • Move to your identified alternate location before backup power is exhausted.
  • Contact 9-1-1 emergency services immediately if your health or safety is at risk.
  

Important Information

While the PUD works to restore power safely and as quickly as possible, outages can vary in duration and restoration times cannot be guaranteed. Customers who depend on electricity to operate medical equipment should maintain their own emergency preparedness plans and backup power arrangements.


Need Help Planning?

Talk with your healthcare provider, medical equipment supplier, or caregiver about creating a personalized emergency power plan. Preparing before an outage can help protect your health, provide peace of mind, and ensure you are ready when unexpected emergencies occur.


Sign Up 

Important: Chelan County PUD and Chelan County maintain separate registries and participation in one registry does not enroll you in the other.

Chelan County PUD - Medical Electric Needs Registry
Customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can complete Chelan County PUD's Medical Electric Needs Registry form. You may also request a paper copy by emailing [email protected] or calling 509-661-8002.

Chelan County Emergency Management - Access and Functional Needs Registry
Chelan County maintains a separate Access and Functional Needs Registry for emergency planning purposes. To enroll or learn more, complete Chelan County's registration form or call (509) 667-6863 to learn more.

To ensure your information is available to both organizations, you must register separately with Chelan County PUD and Chelan County.