Cold weather can lead to unexpected power outages, making it essential for individuals relying on at-home medical devices to have an emergency plan in place. Isabel Valdez, a physician assistant and assistant professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, offers guidance on securing these appliances during winter.
“In Houston, winters can be fairly mild, but also unpredictable, so your emergency plan for medical devices might resemble plans for hurricane season, severe flooding or thunderstorms,” Valdez stated.
For battery-operated devices, Valdez recommends purchasing extra batteries and ensuring rechargeable ones are fully charged before inclement weather strikes. Power stations and generators may also be used for smaller devices like nebulizers and sleep apnea machines. However, she advises checking manufacturer specifications to confirm compatibility with the device's voltage output. Gas-powered generators should be placed outside in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, using carbon monoxide detectors during cold weather is advised.
Maintaining the correct storage temperature for medications requiring refrigeration remains crucial even as ambient room temperatures drop.
“We don't want your medication to lose its integrity, so I would follow the manufacturer's recommendations to see what the ideal temperature it should be stored at,” said Valdez.
Valdez cautions against overloading electrical outlets with multiple devices. Space heaters consume significant energy from outlets; pairing them with medical devices could pose a fire risk. Oxygen tanks should be kept away from open flames and heat sources like space heaters or radiators. When traveling with medical equipment, insulation is key to reducing damage from temperature changes that cause condensation.
“It is also a good idea to look at the device warranty to see that it is covered or if you need to buy an additional warranty to continue protecting your device,” Valdez mentioned. She advises checking warranties or insurance coverage prior to severe weather events in case replacement becomes necessary due to damage during cold spells.
