DOH urges medical device users to prepare

FILE – A traffic light does not work during a blackout in San Juan, Puerto Rico, early April 7, 2022. While Puerto Rico struggles with chronic power outages and a crumbling electrical grid, officials believe the U.S. territory, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, could fully transition to clean energy by 2050, according to a new FEMA and U.S. Department of Energy study released Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti, File)

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawaii Department of Health’s Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness is reminding households that rely on electricity and battery-powered medical devices to prepare for potential power outages that coincide with the start of the Pacific hurricane season and increased wildfire safety measures.

As hurricane season begins in the Pacific and power companies implement wildfire safety protocols, the Hawaii Department of Health is emphasizing the importance of preparing for extended power outages, especially for households with individuals who rely on medical devices that require electricity.

“Households with members dependent on electricity for medical purposes need to proactively plan for potential power outages,” a DOH spokesperson said.

They advised consulting with healthcare providers to discuss contingency plans for managing medical conditions during power outages. Recommendations include updating family power outage plans and considering temporary relocation if adequate backup power options are not available.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center of the Pacific has published a comprehensive checklist to assist in your preparation efforts, Here.