Are you prepared for an Emergency?

May 7-13th is Emergency Preparedness Week. Whether it’s due to a flood, tornado, or ice storm, these instances may lead to lasting power outages, lack of phone service, gasoline access, or even adequate food and shelter.

HOW DO I PREPARE?

The first step is discussing and developing an Emergency plan with your loved ones or people you live with. An emergency plan should include escape routes and safe spaces to meet. An emergency kit should also be assembled which may include a first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food items (foods that last long and don’t rot easily), food for your pet, a manual can opener, wind-up or battery-operated flashlight, wind-up or battery operated radio, extra batteries, extra money (stored in a safe place with any important documents you may need to have access to). Some emergency kits may also include a landline phone, a backup generator, candles, matches, extra clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and so forth.

WHAT ABOUT A POWER OUTAGE AND THE USE OF OXYGEN?

Awareness of the weather and preparation is key. Always ensure that your portable oxygen concentrator system and any extra batteries on hand are always fully charged before inclement weather arrives. Also, make sure that your back-up cylinder system is full and properly functioning. In the event of a power outage, your main stationary oxygen concentration system will not work. Should it alarm, turn the power button off, then immediately connect to your emergency oxygen cylinder or portable oxygen system. If possible and safe to do so, contact your Breathe Easy representative to inform them of the power outage. In the event of a city-wide power outage, you will be contacted by a Breathe Easy representative as soon as possible. Breathe Easy will tend to the most critical clients first.

WHAT ABOUT A POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (PAP) UNITS?

Unless you have a backup battery system or a power generator, PAP Systems will not work during a power outage. Contact Breathe Easy for more information on backup battery systems.

Did you know that?

As part of your emergency kit, it is recommended that you have 4.0 litres of water per person per day on hand for at least 72 hours – two litres for drinking and two litres for cooking and cleaning. If you are a family or a group of 4, you would need 48.0 litres of water or ninety-six (96) of the 500 mL individual water bottles. That’s a lot of water!

What’s New?

The Expion 48 or 96 PRO batteries are available for purchase – which are designed to work with most Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) units providing 3-6 nights of sleep on a single charge.

Test Your Knowledge

1. How many litres of water should each person have on hand per day? (Hint: 2+2=?)
2. What should you make sure you charge before inclement weather arrives? (Hint: Cars have them that sometimes need jump starting)
3. When is Emergency Preparedness Week? (Hint: It’s right before Mother’s Day)