First, contact Grandma's oxygen provider and get two or three of the larger size oxygen tanks; tell them you need enough emergency tanks on hand to last at least 24 hours. Second, ask your oxygen provider what emergency plans they have in place for provisioning customers like your grandmother in the event of a power outage. Explain that you want to make sure she is able to get oxygen in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

The issue really isn't the power company, it's the oxygen provider. They should keep grandma supplied with tanks during a crisis. Good luck to you!

First, contact Grandma's oxygen provider and get two or three of the larger size oxygen tanks; tell them you need enough emergency tanks on hand to last at least 24 hours. Second, ask your oxygen provider what emergency plans they have in place for provisioning customers like your grandmother in the event of a power outage. Explain that you want to make sure she is able to get oxygen in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

The issue really isn't the power company, it's the oxygen provider. They should keep grandma supplied with tanks during a crisis. Good luck to you!

I've been wondering about a similar issue; I live in TX, so we have our share of hurricanes too and often no power for up to a week. My mother is in a hospital bed 24/7 with an air mattress. I have contacted the local medical emergency "hotline" to register her.

However, at 96 and in her fragile state of health, she is not going to be evacuated; I was told the only thing I could do was buy a generator--but I really don't want to mess with one of those.

Isn't there any other option???????

I've been wondering about a similar issue; I live in TX, so we have our share of hurricanes too and often no power for up to a week. My mother is in a hospital bed 24/7 with an air mattress. I have contacted the local medical emergency "hotline" to register her.

However, at 96 and in her fragile state of health, she is not going to be evacuated; I was told the only thing I could do was buy a generator--but I really don't want to mess with one of those.

Isn't there any other option???????

We have the same situation in NC. My stepson is bedridden ,on oxygen. We have an outside generator that runs on Natural gas. It automatically starts when power is lost and keeps going as long as there is Natural Gas going to it. I don't know if there is one for LP gas or not. I would think so. Your local electrical contractor sells them and would be able to tell you more.

We have the same situation in NC. My stepson is bedridden ,on oxygen. We have an outside generator that runs on Natural gas. It automatically starts when power is lost and keeps going as long as there is Natural Gas going to it. I don't know if there is one for LP gas or not. I would think so. Your local electrical contractor sells them and would be able to tell you more.

Might check in with the local Fire Department - they are usually the Point of contact (POC) for emergency response and a link to the Office of Emergency Preparenedess (FEMA).

Might check in with the local Fire Department - they are usually the Point of contact (POC) for emergency response and a link to the Office of Emergency Preparenedess (FEMA).

If you have a gas line coming into your house, you can have a Natural Gas Generator installed that will provide electricity when the grid goes down. It switches over automatically. You don't have to do anything. They are pricey -- about $10,000 installed where I live (in California). Here, the natural gas keeps coming when there's no electricity. Of course, if the natural gas stops, the natural gas generator won't work either. If I were you, I'd find out what happens to the natural gas flow when the grid goes down. I don't think it requires elec. to provide pressure to pump gas through the line, but I'm no expert. Good luck.

If you have a gas line coming into your house, you can have a Natural Gas Generator installed that will provide electricity when the grid goes down. It switches over automatically. You don't have to do anything. They are pricey -- about $10,000 installed where I live (in California). Here, the natural gas keeps coming when there's no electricity. Of course, if the natural gas stops, the natural gas generator won't work either. If I were you, I'd find out what happens to the natural gas flow when the grid goes down. I don't think it requires elec. to provide pressure to pump gas through the line, but I'm no expert. Good luck.

Hi gi-cav, My husband is also on 24-7 in Florida. Our provider does a special pre-hurricane check whenever we are in a storm warning cycle. Also, our county has everyone with special needs register so they can be assisted with evacuation or shelter needs. Please contact your provider and your local Sheriff's office for advice. Good of you to think of these things in advance for your grandmother.

Hi gi-cav, My husband is also on 24-7 in Florida. Our provider does a special pre-hurricane check whenever we are in a storm warning cycle. Also, our county has everyone with special needs register so they can be assisted with evacuation or shelter needs. Please contact your provider and your local Sheriff's office for advice. Good of you to think of these things in advance for your grandmother.

Hi I live in Dublin Ireland and my Dad is on oxygen therephy 24/7. Our oxygen suppliers are first rate here. They have an emeregency service and are on 24 hour call. I don't know how it works in USA but I would think they would have something in place in the event of power cuts. Contact them direct and explain your concerns. I find that the service suppliers are more concerned about patients then the hospitals and consultants. Hope your Nan is doing ok. Tell her Warm Wishes from Ireland..x

Hi I live in Dublin Ireland and my Dad is on oxygen therephy 24/7. Our oxygen suppliers are first rate here. They have an emeregency service and are on 24 hour call. I don't know how it works in USA but I would think they would have something in place in the event of power cuts. Contact them direct and explain your concerns. I find that the service suppliers are more concerned about patients then the hospitals and consultants. Hope your Nan is doing ok. Tell her Warm Wishes from Ireland..x

i have been thinking about this also. usually blackouts only affect certain areas in connecticut, probably because the further north it comes the hurricane dwindles with the cooler temperatures both in the cooler north and northern water temperatures. but we do get a few that knock down trees and power lines. i live in a house that is on one grid and the people across the street have power i guess i could roll my gear over there to refill my tanks. the wiser choice would be to call the hospital in advance . we live between the same distance of 2 hospitals also try your carrier mine is in a city about 25 miles away .call and register with all these places and my town and power company already have my name registered as a first to be serviced along with many other people. my town only has 12,000 people including guests kids and no good relatives. the Lord looked out for me as my son is the town's paramedic and respitory therapist in the hospital. but there are many places to turn just give them a call and get on their list of oxygen users. they will take care of any worries

i have been thinking about this also. usually blackouts only affect certain areas in connecticut, probably because the further north it comes the hurricane dwindles with the cooler temperatures both in the cooler north and northern water temperatures. but we do get a few that knock down trees and power lines. i live in a house that is on one grid and the people across the street have power i guess i could roll my gear over there to refill my tanks. the wiser choice would be to call the hospital in advance . we live between the same distance of 2 hospitals also try your carrier mine is in a city about 25 miles away .call and register with all these places and my town and power company already have my name registered as a first to be serviced along with many other people. my town only has 12,000 people including guests kids and no good relatives. the Lord looked out for me as my son is the town's paramedic and respitory therapist in the hospital. but there are many places to turn just give them a call and get on their list of oxygen users. they will take care of any worries

I agree with the first response above. Your oxygen provider will provide you with all your needs. If you don't know what to ask for just tell them your concerns; hurricanes, without power, vacations-over night, day trips, half day trips, any concern. This is their business, they know what you need and will provide you. They should be coming out on a schedule to check existing tanks and trading out used tanks. We keep the large house tank for daily use. We take maybe four small tanks with us to go out to dinner and an exhibit (short/half day outing) and we have traveled and called the oxygen company to recommend a connecting company in another state for a wall unit, the large tanks and the small portables. One can really be on the move with oxygen, even airplanes and cruise ships.

I agree with the first response above. Your oxygen provider will provide you with all your needs. If you don't know what to ask for just tell them your concerns; hurricanes, without power, vacations-over night, day trips, half day trips, any concern. This is their business, they know what you need and will provide you. They should be coming out on a schedule to check existing tanks and trading out used tanks. We keep the large house tank for daily use. We take maybe four small tanks with us to go out to dinner and an exhibit (short/half day outing) and we have traveled and called the oxygen company to recommend a connecting company in another state for a wall unit, the large tanks and the small portables. One can really be on the move with oxygen, even airplanes and cruise ships.

My Mother is on Oxygen 24-7 as well. She has her name on a special list that is an emergency life support list for the county/city, area etc. Now that you all bring it up and I realize it is a different topic but what happens after 3 years. I understand Medicare only pays for oxygen for 3 years. I was shocked to find this out. Do they expect people to only need to breathe for 3 years? If anyone knows what happens after 3 years it would be nice to know.

My Mother is on Oxygen 24-7 as well. She has her name on a special list that is an emergency life support list for the county/city, area etc. Now that you all bring it up and I realize it is a different topic but what happens after 3 years. I understand Medicare only pays for oxygen for 3 years. I was shocked to find this out. Do they expect people to only need to breathe for 3 years? If anyone knows what happens after 3 years it would be nice to know.

If I'm Repeating what other have Already Written, Please Disregard.

I use Liquid Oxygen Tanks for that Very Reason. They are going to be on 24/7 and two I'm not interested in Contributing to my Utility Bills. Believge me, your Oxygen Provider will Respond Quicker than Emergency Utility Crews.

My Smaller 02 Tanks, I have as Back Up.

All Utility Companies have a Plan in Place that Creates a Data Base of Customers who Depend on Medical Equipment that Depends on Power. If you are not in it, get in it.

Finally, thanks to Home Land Security (Local), they Now Coordinate a Plan to get those of us who Need Power to a Location that can Support our Needs until the Power is Restored.

If I'm Repeating what other have Already Written, Please Disregard.

I use Liquid Oxygen Tanks for that Very Reason. They are going to be on 24/7 and two I'm not interested in Contributing to my Utility Bills. Believge me, your Oxygen Provider will Respond Quicker than Emergency Utility Crews.

My Smaller 02 Tanks, I have as Back Up.

All Utility Companies have a Plan in Place that Creates a Data Base of Customers who Depend on Medical Equipment that Depends on Power. If you are not in it, get in it.

Finally, thanks to Home Land Security (Local), they Now Coordinate a Plan to get those of us who Need Power to a Location that can Support our Needs until the Power is Restored.

hi, my mom was on oxy and we set her up as a priority customer with electric company (list of those with medical needs come first).

She also had a spare tank (oxy doesn't leak out, it is for in case of this or if she needed to travel for a whole day it would be a spare) She also filled her portables with the large concentrator which would last for a couple days after the electric was out.

So yes, call both.

hi, my mom was on oxy and we set her up as a priority customer with electric company (list of those with medical needs come first).

She also had a spare tank (oxy doesn't leak out, it is for in case of this or if she needed to travel for a whole day it would be a spare) She also filled her portables with the large concentrator which would last for a couple days after the electric was out.

So yes, call both.

Deafmack - my mom was oxy for 8 years and medicare paid the entire time. (80%) mom had a secondary insurance to pick up the 20%. never heard of the limit of years.

Deafmack - my mom was oxy for 8 years and medicare paid the entire time. (80%) mom had a secondary insurance to pick up the 20%. never heard of the limit of years.