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Do you or a loved one rely on electric medical devices? If so, power outages aren’t just inconveniences. Severe weather or equipment failures can knock out electricity without warning, so it is essential to have a plan to stay safe.
You and your doctor can complete a medically essential service form which allows the cooperative to contact you when there is a planned outage to perform routine maintenance or upgrade lines and equipment in your area. WFEC strives to give these accounts special consideration during planned outages. However, when severe storms hit our area, there is no way to determine how long electric service will be disrupted, so it is very important for West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members who require life support or other medical devices to make arrangements for their medical needs in advance.

Members with critical care needs are strongly encouraged to have backup plans to move to locations with power during an emergency, have extra batteries and medical supplies readily available, or have a generator on hand for their use.

To sign up for medically essential service, your doctor must complete a form and you must return it to WFEC to keep on file. To request a medically essential service form, please call 800-342-7400. Follow these tips to prepare medical equipment for power outages:

Document your devices. Create a file that includes the device’s manufacturer, model, serial number, instruction manuals and a photo. 86340002

Know your backup options. Find out if your device is compatible with backup power like batteries or a generator. Check how long it can operate during an outage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and keep device-specific supplies on hand.

Maintain your devices. Make sure equipment is clean, calibrated, and working properly. Routine maintenance helps prevent surprises during emergencies.

Charge up. Keep your cell phone, backup power sources and battery-powered medical devices fully charged. Keep extra batteries on hand, especially during storm season.

Create an evacuation plan. Have a plan in case you need to leave your home. Identify the locations of emergency shelters and power stations in your area. Talk with family and friends about places you can go that have power and are accessible.

Stock up for two weeks. Keep a two-week supply of medications, medical accessories and essentials like coolers and refrigeration packs for temperature-sensitive medicine.

Consider manual alternatives. Look for portable, dependable alternatives to electronic medical devices. For example, a manual wheelchair, walker, or cane as a backup for an electric scooter.

Review your insurance coverage. Talk with your insurance provider so you know what’s covered if your medical device is damaged during a weather event or power outage.