Emergency Preparedness

To help ensure you stay prepared, American Home Patient provides the following essential guidance to ensure continuity of care during unexpected event.

Natural Disasters

Know Your Area's Risks

Different places face different hazards. Across the U.S., the most common threats include hurricanes and tropical storms, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, extreme heat/cold, severe thunderstorms/lightning, and extended power outages. A single plan can cover most hazards, with a few scenario‑specific steps below.

Why this matters for medical device users: Power outages are increasingly frequent and can quickly become dangerous for people relying on electricity‑dependent equipment (e.g., oxygen concentrators and ventilators). Proactive power planning helps ensure reduce unnecessary ER visits and ease the strain on local shelters. If you lose electricity for any length of time, having backup oxygen supplies ready ensures your treatment continues without interruption.

Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens

Staying informed is the first step to remaining safe.

Understand How You Receive Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): Sent automatically to WEA-capable devices. Check with your wireless carrier to confirm participation.
Emergency Alert System (EAS): Broadcast through television, radio, and satellite networks.
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: Delivers continuous weather and emergency information from the National Weather Service.

Know Your Shelter Plan

Depending on the situation, you may need to stay where you are, take shelter at an alternative location, or evacuate to a community care center.
To locate emergency centers near you, visit FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center Locator. Also check local county emergency management sites for evacuation or shelter-in-place guidance

Map Out Your Evacuation Route

Have a clear plan for how to leave your home quickly and safely if needed.
Know multiple routes and keep them accessible to caregivers and family members.

Build a Personal Support Network

Create a list of contacts who can help if your access to equipment, medications, or treatment is disrupted. Keep this information in a place that is easy to find. Include:

Your local American Home Patient center’s contact information
Your pharmacy
Your physician(s)
Close family members or caregivers

Learn About Priority Power Restoration Programs

Some utility companies allow customers with medical equipment needs to register for priority power restoration during outages. Contact your local provider to see if you qualify.

Identify a Backup Healthcare Facility

If your medical condition worsens during an emergency, have a plan for reaching the nearest healthcare facility where you can receive necessary treatment. Being prepared reduces risk and helps ensure you are never without critical medical support.

Emergency Equipment & Supplies Kit

Being prepared is an important part of staying safe, especially if you rely on oxygen, ventilators, CPAP/BiPAP devices, nebulizers, suction equipment, or other life‑supporting medical supplies. Power outages, natural disasters, or unexpected emergencies can happen at any time. Having a well‑organized Emergency Equipment and Supplies Kit may help ensure you have what you need to maintain your health and independence until help is available.

Backup Power & Equipment Protection

If your device requires power, make sure you have a plan in place:

Fully charged backup batteries for all equipment that uses them
Portable or stationary oxygen cylinders (if on oxygen therapy)
Manual alternatives, such as a manual resuscitator (ambu bag) or hand‑held nebulizer, if applicable
Generator or battery backup system, if appropriate (follow manufacturer and local guidelines)

assorted pills in the palm of someone's hand

Essential Medical Supplies

Prepare enough supplies to last at least 72 hours, or longer if recommended by your provider.

Include a copy of your prescriptions in case refills are needed during an emergency.

Documentation & Contact Information

Keep important documents together in a waterproof folder or pouch. Include:

Your current care plan and equipment instructions
Your provider’s emergency contact numbers
Your home medical equipment company’s 24‑hour support line
A list of medications and allergies
A copy of your insurance information
A list of family or caregiver contacts

Make sure these documents are updated regularly.

Personal Preparedness Items

Build a small emergency kit of personal essentials that support your comfort and safety:

Flashlight with extra batteries
Bottled water and snacks
Phone charger (include a portable power bank)
Blanket or warm clothing
Labelled storage bag for your equipment parts
Face masks or protective coverings, if medically necessary
Hand sanitizer and cleansing wipes

Emergency Action Plan

Create a simple, easy-to-follow plan and review it with your household. Your plan should include:

What to do if the power goes out
How to operate your equipment on backup mode
When to call your equipment provider or emergency services
If evacuation becomes necessary:
- How to safely transport equipment
- Which supplies must go with you
- Where you will go (shelter, relative, hospital)

If you use oxygen, always transport and store cylinders upright and secured.

Reminders

Review your kit every month and replace batteries, medications, or expired supplies.
Store your kit somewhere easy to access
Share your emergency plan with caregivers, family members, or neighbors who can assist you.

For more information on fully preparing for an emergency, visit:

Everyday Home Safety Tips

Fall Prevention

Keep walkways clear of clutter, cords, and loose rugs.
Use non‑slip mats in bathrooms and showers.
Ensure good lighting in hallways and staircases.
Install grab bars where needed.
When using oxygen, be careful when walking near tubing.

Emergency Number: Call 911 for any serious injury or fall.

Poison Prevention

Store medicines, cleaning products, and chemicals locked away and out of reach of children and pets.
Never mix cleaning agents.
Keep products in original containers with labels.
Ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

Poison Control : 800‑222‑1222 (available 24/7)

Fire & Burn Prevention

Install and test smoke alarms regularly.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
Turn pot handles inward while cooking.
Plan emergency escape route.
Keep all flammable liquid, space heaters and oxygen equipment away from heat sources, open flames, and electrical devices.
Keep matches away from children.

Fire Emergency: Call 911

Stay Informed

Keep a weather radio or phone alerts enabled for local emergency notifications
Know the nearest shelters that can support medical equipment
If your equipment is life‑sustaining, notify your local emergency management agency to be added to their medical need’s registry, if available

Stay Connected. Stay Prepared.

American Home Patient is committed to your safety. Taking steps now ensures you can maintain your treatment plan even when facing the unexpected.

If you need assistance preparing your equipment for emergency scenarios, such as power outages or evacuations, please contact your local American Home Patient service center.

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Disclaimer: The tools and resources mentioned are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement by American Home Patient. They are shared solely as examples of available options to support awareness and exploration. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and evaluate suitability based on individual needs and circumstances.

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