Many people in Western Massachusetts just endured a multiple day power outage. Here are some survival tips that you probably haven't thought of, especially aimed at people with disabilities (PWD).
1. In our plastic friendly culture, it never occurs to most people that there may come a day when the grocery store doesn't take their debit card, but with this previous storm that's what happened. One solution is to take out $100 in cash. Put it in an envelope. Leave the envelope in your freezer or some other place you can reach during an emergency. The bank doesn't count, because you can’t inevitably get there before the emergency hits. Check on the money every week or so to make sure it's still there. Don't tell a lot of other people where it is. Hopefully, your friends and personal care assistants (PCA) are honest, but you never know. Make a vow to yourself only to spend the money during true emergencies. If this seems a little risky to you, ask your bank for checks. Be careful, though, because a lot of places don't take checks anymore even in emergencies.
2. Stock up on ways to amuse yourself that don't require power, such as a stack of books you plan to read, a book of word searches or crosswords, or invest in a battery-operated radio. Scientists say word searches and crosswords may help prevent dementia. Why not beat the boredom and possibly better your health at the same time?
3. Be smart. Arrange for someone who can stay over and provide your care needs. Hopefully, this won't turn into a multi-day affair, but if it does at least you’re ready.
4. In regards to the person who has agreed to weather the storm with you, try to respect their space. Realize that they need to sleep and eat, too. Have food you can feed yourself, if possible, and ask them to do prep in advance so that you can be as self-sufficient as possible during this time of stress. This doesn't mean you should neglect your own needs. No right-thinking PCA is going to endorse you going to the bathroom on yourself or risking a pressure sore so they can sleep a few extra minutes. DO NOT hire people you suspect of not being right-thinking. It's not worth it! Also, putting yourself in a more precarious situation often results in a PCA doing more work than previously. So even if you're intentions are good, they can be counterproductive.
5. Be mindful of sensitivities. If loud noises bother you, disconnect your smoke detector because they tend to be hideously loud when power returns after a multi-day absence. If chemically sensitive, stock up on unscented candles in advance. Your senses will thank you.
6. Buy a mini grill that runs on batteries or can be charged up and keep it charged. You can also make an OUTDOOR USE ONLY one, impromptu, by buying a large metal pot, placing some charcoal in the bottom and using a baking rack from your oven. You will need lighter fluid and someone with hands steady enough to handle fire. Please be careful! Emergencies are no time to send yourself to the hospital with burns. Things like chili, beans, and soup cook well in metal cans on this sort of device. Please use common sense and potholders when removing items from the flame. Lastly, be sure to put the fire out! You don't want to turn one small weather emergency into something life-threatening for you and your neighbors.
7. On the subject of food, try to eat nutritionally during weather emergencies but be aware that a higher calorie count might be required during this time to prevent the worsening of physical difficulties such as spasms, which tend to get worse the more time exposed to a cold environment. A balance of healthy food and calories is best. Talk to your doctor to determine the best items for you to buy in advance. As an aside, roasting marshmallows over candlelight is a tasty and not totally horrible- in moderation- no power, sweet treat.
8. Make sure you get all your medicines in advance. This includes things like over the counter painkillers, bandages, and cold/hot packs for minor injuries. Count your pills to make sure you have enough for a week if an emergency is predicted. If you need refills, call your doctor and have him or her write a new prescription if that's what it will take for insurance to pick up the bill. Be mindful of the fact you may not be able to get in touch with your doctor if the phones are out of service.
9. See what services whoever you get phone service through has to keep the line running in the event of an outage. See if paying for these services makes sense for you. Don’t forget to mention that you are a PWD. This may entitle you to a discount. If you have money, look into back up house power. Be mindful, such systems may run over $500 each and most don’t even last a day. Consider asking friends and family to chip in as a holiday present.
10. If you are on a ventilator or other breathing support, you are entitled to uninterrupted electric service even during system wide outages. Be sure to register with the electric company and have your doctor fill out the paperwork. Power wheelchairs and other medically necessary electrical devices, also entitle you to some priority in power restoration, as well as meaning they can’t shut you off for non-payment (as long as you have a letter from your doctor, which needs periodic updating) and the provider must notify you if there is likely to be service interruption. Check with your provider for details.
11. In addition to your electric company, it is advisable to notify emergency medical services and your landlord if you think you might need extra support during an emergency. They are there to help! Make sure they are aware of any accommodations needed, such as 1) I use a power wheelchair for mobility or 2) I have a service animal, in the event you need to be evacuated.
12. If weathering the storm in your own home makes the most sense, remember that clothes that zip and/or have hoods are your friends. Have plenty of blankets on hand as well.
13. Don’t be stupid. Warning systems are there for a reason. Heed them every time and don’t regret it later!
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