When the Power Goes Out: Planning for Neighbors Who Rely on Electricity

Most households can ride out a few hours without electricity with some flashlights and patience. For others, a power outage is far more serious. A neighbor who uses an oxygen concentrator, a power wheelchair, a home dialysis machine, a refrigerated medication or an electric lift chair may face real danger if the lights stay off for long. During National Preparedness Month, it is worth taking time to plan for these situations, both within your own home and on your street.

This guide offers common-sense steps. It is not medical advice. Anyone who relies on medical equipment should talk with their health care provider or equipment supplier about a specific backup plan.

Who Is Most Affected by Outages

People who may need extra planning include those who use or rely on:

• Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines or other breathing equipment
• Power wheelchairs, scooters or electric lift chairs
• Medications that need refrigeration
• Electric hospital beds or pressure-relief mattresses
• Home dialysis, feeding pumps or other powered medical devices
• Elevators to leave their apartment building
• Electric heating or air conditioning to stay safe in extreme temperatures

Step One: Make a Personal Power Plan

If you or someone in your household relies on electricity for health or mobility, a written plan helps everyone stay calm when the power fails.

1. List every device that needs power, how long its battery lasts and how long it takes to recharge.
2. Ask your provider or supplier what to do during an outage, including whether backup batteries or manual alternatives exist.
3. Keep backup batteries charged and label them with the date they were last checked.
4. Identify a backup location with reliable power, such as a relative’s home in another neighborhood.
5. Know when to seek help. Decide in advance at what point you would go to a backup location or call for assistance.
6. Post the plan somewhere easy to find, such as inside a kitchen cabinet door.

Step Two: Contact Your Utility

Many utilities allow customers to let them know that someone in the household relies on powered medical equipment. Call your electric company or check its website to ask what programs exist and how to sign up. Registering does not guarantee your power will be restored first, since outages affect whole areas, but it can help the utility understand needs and may provide you with additional communication during outages. Ask what information they need and whether a form from a health care provider is required.

Step Three: Plan for Medications

Medications that must stay cold need special attention.

• Ask your pharmacist how long each medication can safely stay out of the refrigerator and what to do if it gets too warm.
• Keep a small cooler and reusable ice packs in the freezer, ready to go.
• Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible during an outage to hold the cold.
• Keep a written list of all medications, doses and the pharmacy’s phone number in your go-bag.

Step Four: Charging Options

Having a few ways to recharge small devices can bridge a short outage.

• Portable power banks for phones and small devices, kept charged
• Car chargers, used only with the car parked outdoors and never in a closed garage
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios and lanterns

Larger backup power systems and generators require careful planning. Generators must always run outdoors, far from windows, doors and vents, because their exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can kill. Never run a generator in a home, basement, garage or enclosed porch. Talk with a qualified electrician about safe connection options rather than improvising.

Step Five: Plan for Elevators and Stairs

In apartment buildings, an outage can strand people who cannot use stairs. Residents who depend on elevators should talk with building management about emergency procedures, and consider staying with friends or family before a forecast storm if extended outages are likely. Neighbors on the same floor can agree to check on each other.

How Neighbors Can Help

Neighbors play a big role in keeping each other safe during outages. The key is to offer help respectfully and to plan ahead.

Before an Outage

• Let neighbors know you are willing to check on them during outages, and exchange phone numbers with those who are interested.
• Ask, without prying, whether they would like help making a plan. A gentle script: “With storm season coming, I’m checking in with a few neighbors. If the power goes out, would it help if I knocked on your door to see how you’re doing?”
• Keep information private. Health details shared with you are not for the group chat.

During an Outage

• Check on neighbors who asked you to, by phone or in person.
• Offer to charge a phone or small device if you have a working power source.
• Share accurate information about warming centers, cooling centers or charging locations from official sources.
• If someone seems to be in danger, such as having trouble breathing or being unable to get warm, call 911.

After an Outage

• Follow up to see whether anything was lost or damaged, such as food or medication.
• Talk about what went well and what could improve next time.

Finding Local Resources

Several kinds of local organizations can help people plan:

• Your city or town emergency management office, which may offer preparedness guides
• Your local council on aging or senior center
• Independent living centers and disability service organizations
• Mass 211, which can connect residents with resources during and after emergencies

A Small Plan Goes a Long Way

Planning for power outages can feel overwhelming, but a few calm conversations and a written list cover most of what matters. For neighbors who rely on electricity to breathe, move or stay healthy, knowing that someone nearby will knock on the door can bring real peace of mind.