Minor power outages that last anywhere from minutes to a couple of hours occur all the time, and most people are largely unaffected by them. However, what happens when a major event or natural disaster occurs that knocks out power for multiple hours, or even days? All of the food in your refrigerator and freezer can spoil, you can’t charge your mobility scooter or other devices, the indoor temperature of your home can get uncomfortable quickly and more. For seniors living at home, being prepared for these major power outages is critical and here are some ways you can do it.
Invest In A Quality Generator
Permanent backup generators are available if you live in an area prone to frequent power outages. However, many people opt for investing in a temporary or portable generator that can get them by for several days if the power goes out for any reason. The generator you purchase needs to be strong enough to power your HVAC system, appliances and other necessities. Seniors with disabilities may not be able to live comfortably very long without electricity, so having a quality generator ready to go can bring some peace of mind.
Have Certain Backup Mobility Options Ready To Go
You may be unable to charge your mobility scooter when the power is out, so have a manual wheelchair, cane or walker ready to go just in case. Since you may not use these backup mobility options very much, be sure to keep them in an easily-accessible storage closet so you can grab them quickly. Also, when you’re looking into buying accessibility products that operate on electricity, strongly consider investing in items with a battery backup for emergencies like power outages.
Keep A Stash Of Essential Items On Both Levels
If you have a multi-story home, consider keeping a stash of essential items like clothes, toiletries, blankets and more on each level. You may rely on your stair lift or home elevator to get from one level to another, but if the power goes out, you could be stuck at the level you’re currently on for a while unless the device has a battery backup. In the event of an extended power outage, having everything you need to live somewhat comfortably for a few days will help significantly.
Ensure Devices Are Fully Charged
Power outages are sometimes unexpected, but others can be predicted. Weather events like hurricanes or even severe thunderstorms can be forecasted ahead of time so you can plan accordingly. Ensure all of your devices, like your phone, tablet, mobility scooter, lift chair and any other battery-operated device you have are fully charged. These can be lifelines for seniors living at home, so having a full charge on them is critical.
Next Day Access is here to help keep seniors living at home mobile and active under any circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free home evaluation and we can help you prepare for both the expected and unexpected circumstances that arise in your home.
