Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

How do you prepare for a major storm?

Hurricanes, winter storms, or other natural disasters are scary, even more so when you are also contending with COPD and rely on your power for things like oxygen concentrators. Do you have any tips on how to prepare for an emergency situation? Share them in the comments!

  1. ,
    I don't really have any tips. I answered because my wife and I are moving into a smaller place at the end of the month. Our landlords are an older couple like us, who have a generator wired into a separate breaker box for each side of the duplex. So, if the electricity goes out, we merely switch over to the generator breaker box. It is my understanding that the female of the couple and their pet dog have meds that need refrigeration. After the storm and freeze year before last that kept the entire state of Texas without power for several weeks for some, and numerous chances of bad thunderstorms and tornados, this is a Godsend for my wife and me. I feel lucky to have found this place to move to and to have such caring landlords.

    1. , I am so glad to hear you have such a reliable back up plan for if the power goes out. That must be such a relief. Hopefully, you never have to use it but it is great to have it anyway! All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member).

  2. We have a large supply of oxygen cylinders in our home for emergency backup.

    1. Hi Powerhouse, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. I would say that makes you pretty well prepared for any power outage that might last a while. We appreciate your input.
      All the best,
      Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

  3. Great and timely topic, Sam! This was always the biggest worry for me as a loved one. My grandmother was oxygen dependent for the last 10 years of her life, so when the power went off as it often did during a summer storm, she was basically on the clock. Most of the time, she got by on portable tanks until power was restored. She also lived with my aunt and uncle, who could keep an eye on her. But some nights were really close calls and she would nearly run out of oxygen. Eventually they were able to purchase a small generator to power her concentrator and mini fridge. A huge weight lifted for her and all of us. My heart goes out to all that face those fears! -Melissa, copd.net team

    1. I have a large tank in our bedroom that i can depend on until my oxgen company brings me another tank frank r bowron jr 4 stage copd and getting no better

      1. Hi poppy (frank), and thanks for joining in the conversation. Having sufficient oxygen on hand is an important way of preparing for any kind of storm with the potential to knock out electrical power. Keep up the good work!
        If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here!
        Wishing you well,
        Leon (site moderator COPD.net)

    Please read our rules before posting.