Power Outage Dangers for Chronic Health Issues

We don’t realize how dependent we are on power until we are without it. Disasters can affect anybody, anywhere, at any time. For most of us, losing power is more an inconvenience than a danger. Who wants to be without lights, television, the refrigerator and, of course our beloved Wi-Fi?

For some people,however, a power outage, whether it is caused by Mother Nature’s wrath or a burn out due to overuse of airconditioners during the summer months, can be a matter of life and death. Many people rely on power to help manage chronic health conditions. If you fall into this group, you know that a power outage can quickly become an emergency event.  In fact, a new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology indicates that many of these vulnerable groups are unprepared. People who are especially at risk are patients who: suffer from diabetes and rely on a refrigerated insulin, patients who need oxygen or respirator help and patients on dialysis machines.

Dr. James Winchester, a nephrologist at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in New York, and other researchers analyzed how ready 357 adults on dialysis machines, which rids the body of waste or unwanted water for those with failed or damaged kidneys, were when Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York City.  On October 2012 at five outpatient centers, the electricity was compromised. Of those scheduled to have dialysis during the storm’s landfall at the clinics where the power had gone out, 26.3 percent missed their treatment. This was a dangerous situation that could lead to fluid overload, heart problems and permanent damage.

Are you at risk if your region loses power? If you or a loved one suffers from one of these chronic health conditions consider installing a generator for your peace of mind. Call Roy Spittle Associates to get a free estimate and talk about your needs as well as your budget.