How to Prepare for Brownouts and Power Outages With Your Senior
Brownouts and power outages can be stressful for anyone. But, it's especially important to prepare seniors ahead of time for these unexpected times. Here at Senior Helpers Inland Empire, we provide home care services to senior adults in Chino, Corona, Chino Hills, and San Bernardino County. Read on to learn what steps you can take to help prepare your senior for an unexpected brownout or power outage.
4 Ways to Prepare Senior Adults for Brownouts and Power Outages
Preparation is key when it comes to navigating a brownout or power outages for senior adults. Here are 4 ways to prepare:
Let Your Senior Know Ahead of Time
Experiencing brownouts or a power outage can be quite uncomfortable for older adults. While some outages can happen randomly, they are often a result of a storm. With that said, if a storm is coming to the area, it's important to make them aware of a potential brownout or power outage so they can be prepared ahead of time.
Gather Important Information
It's important to gather the information that your older loved one needs in case of an emergency. It's a good idea to create a book that includes important phone numbers and instructions that can be useful during an outage. Some key information to include is:
- Police and fire department phone number
- Power, gas, and water company phone number
- Doctor's contact information
- Family members' and friends' contact information
- Instructions on where to find essential items like flashlights and batteries
- Instructions on how to replace batteries on any medical devices they may have
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Anything can happen during a brownout or power outage. With that said, it's best to prepare an emergency kit that can last for at least 72 hours to help your older adult be ready for the unexpected. Some things you should include in an emergency kit include:
- Battery-operated flashlights or lanterns
- Non-perishable food items, water, and a can opener
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Mobile chargers
When preparing an emergency kit, be sure to label it with consideration to any visual, cognitive, or hearing impairments they may have.
What to Do During and After an Outage
Educate older adults on the importance of keeping refrigerators and freezers closed as long as possible. A freezer can potentially keep food cold for approximately 48 hours. A fridge can keep food full for approximately 4 hours.
Additionally, it's important to unplug all electronics and appliances. When the electric company comes to restore power, leaving devices and appliances plugged in can potentially cause damage.
After the outage is over, it's important to go over medications and see if they needed to be refrigerated. Contact the pharmacists for more information on what to do with medications that have been sitting out.
It's also important to go over any emergency inventory and see what needs to be refilled in the event another outage occurs. It's also a good idea to inspect food items that have become spoiled during the outage. Any foods that are spoiled or questionable should be disposed of.
At Senior Helpers Inland Empire, we are committed to helping older adults live safely and comfortably. Brownouts and power outages can be a difficult time for senior adults, but being prepared makes all the difference. Does your older adult need home care services? Contact us today to learn about our quality home care services.