NWEC cares deeply about its members’ health and safety, and we realize that some of our members’ health is dependent on having a steady supply of electricity. As much as we would like to promise that power will be available 24/7, unavoidable outages occur. If you depend on medical equipment that requires electricity, you need to have an emergency plan in place in the event of a power outage. 

Here are some things to consider: 

  • Talk with family and friends about what you would do if an extended outage occurred. Do you have an alternative place to stay? Does your town have an emergency shelter? 

  • Many medical devices use electricity or are battery dependent, including breathing machines, power wheelchairs, oxygen, and home dialysis equipment. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations to find out what backup power sources are considered safe for your device and how long it can run on a backup power source.

  • If your devices are battery operated, make sure to have an extra supply of batteries on hand. 

  • Check backup batteries – unused rechargeable batteries need to be charged periodically. Portable battery packs can supply hours of backup energy, but only if they are kept fully charged and are considered safe to use, according to the equipment manufacturer. 

  • Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any medications that need to be refrigerated. If the power goes out, a refrigerator should hold its temperature for two to four hours, if the door remains closed. However, it’s essential that you and your family members know the requirements for your specific medications. Find out how long medication can be safely kept outside of the fridge and know how to quickly replace those that are no longer usable. If an outage lasts longer than two to four hours, when your refrigerator’s internal temperature may start to rise, you should move refrigerated medications to a cooler with ice. 

  • Keep your cellphone charged so that you can call for help or be reached by someone else, in the case of an emergency. 

Backup generators

Consider whether your medical needs require investing in a generator for your home. Begin by identifying your basic electrical needs in the event of a power outage and calculating the number of watts you’ll need. You may want a generator that produces enough for only the necessities, or you may want one with enough power for your entire home. 

Standby generators are connected directly to your home’s wiring and are typically powered by natural gas or propane. They will start automatically when the power goes out. An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your generator separated from the electric co-op’s power supply, must be installed by a professional. This is both a requirement of the National Electrical Code and to ensure the safety of the co-op’s lineworkers, your family, and your home. If you choose to use a standby generator for your home, please notify NWEC so we can make note of that on your account and alert our lineworkers. 

Portable generators are usually gas powered, can be moved around, and must be used outside the home. Make sure to keep enough fuel on hand to last at least 24 hours. 

To safely operate your generator: 

  • Start the generator first before connecting appliances.

  • Operate your generator once a month for at least 10 minutes to ensure it is running properly before an outage occurs.

  • Keep the generator in a space that is easily accessible and weatherproof. 

  • Always place a portable generator outside of your home, away from windows and doors. NEVER operate the generator indoors as it emits carbon monoxide that can be deadly when inhaled. 

If you rely on health equipment that requires electricity, it’s extremely important to work with your medical provider to develop an emergency power plan and notify NWEC to let us know of your medical needs. If you have questions regarding power outages, you can also contact NWEC at 419-636-5051.