Disasters & power outages — being ready with your client

Know where the client's emergency supplies, medication list, and POLST are BEFORE you need them. In a power outage, medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, powered beds) is the first concern — call the equipment supplier and your agency; call 911 if breathing equipment fails with no backup.

1. 1First week with a client, locate: flashlight, water, medication list, POLST (often on the fridge), emergency contacts, and how to unlock the front door for EMS.
2. 2Oxygen users: know the backup tank location and how long it lasts; the supplier's number is on the concentrator. Report if there's no backup — that needs fixing before an outage.
3. 3Power outage: check the client first, then equipment. Concentrator down → switch to backup tank per the plan → call supplier and agency. No backup and the client needs oxygen → 911.
4. 4Keep the fridge closed (food ~4 hours, medications like insulin have specific rules — ask the pharmacy when in doubt).
5. 5Earthquake: drop-cover-hold with the client as able; afterwards check for injuries and gas smell before anything else.
6. 6If you can't reach the client's home in a disaster, call your agency — never just skip the visit silently; the client may have no one else coming.