Be Prepared for a Power Outages and Snowstorms

During extremely cold weather and winter storms, keeping you and your family safe and warm is important. Winter storms can bring power outages, which are especially challenging for someone with a chronic lung condition. This is why creating a plan is so vital. By taking these few steps, you can prevent cold temperature-related health problems and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm.

Develop an Emergency Plan

Because you can find yourself in an emergency without warning, you should always keep a list of important numbers by the phone. This may include your support network, healthcare providers, pharmacy, home health agency, your medical equipment company or oxygen provider. You should also keep a list of all medications you take in an easy to locate place, with the correct dosage and schedule. It may be a good idea to keep medical insurance cards and other important documents. For people with COPD or asthma, copies of your Action Plan will need to be easily accessible as well. Download this checklist to help you prepare for a natural disaster. One idea is to use your cell phone to photograph all important phone numbers, your medications and action plans for quick access.

If You Can, Prepare Beforehand

If you have warning before a winter storm hits, there are several things you can do to make sure your home is in the best shape possible.

• To keep the heat from seeping out of your home, caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. You may also want to install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and test them twice a year to ensure they have batteries and are in working condition. This will be especially important if a power outage forces you to use alternative heating sources like a fireplace or wood stove.
• Pay attention to the weather, checking regularly to make sure you are prepared in case you need to shelter at home.
• Keep your pantry full of nonperishable food, including water, for you and your pets so you do not have to wander outside in dangerous conditions.
• Keep the gas tank full in your car for if you must evacuate.  Listen to your local or state officials and leave if you are advised to do so.
• Consider purchasing a back-up power generator to provide emergency electricity during a power outage. 

Safely Heat Your Home

If there is a power outage, you may need to use an alternative heat source.

• If you plan to use woodstoves, gas heating stoves or fireplaces to heat your home, make sure that they are vented properly and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never use a kitchen gas range, oven, portable camping stove, gasoline or diesel-powered generator indoors to heat your home and they produce carbon monoxide that can quickly build up in your home and become hazardous. 
• If you have a generator, it should be located outside and at least 20 feet from windows, doors or vents as the fumes can be deadly to breathe indoors.
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles for light, if possible.