Southern Pine maintains notations on members’ accounts when medical equipment is required in a home and this information is provided to the co-op by the member. This allows the co-op to send a notification when any planned outage is required if circumstances will allow sufficient time to do so. The member should annually update this account information. These account notations have no bearing on outages beyond the control of the co-op. Southern Pine works with all members with due date extensions, but the notation of medical equipment required will not prevent an account from disconnection for non-payment.
While the reliability of our system is a top priority, the co-op cannot guarantee uninterrupted electric service and members are strongly encouraged to have plans in place in the event of any outage, at any given time. Some medical equipment may be essential to your level of independence (power wheelchairs, scooters) while other equipment may be vital to your health and wellbeing (breathing machines, oxygen, suction machines, etc.). Please note that in the event of an outage that is beyond the control of the co-op, your power could be out for multiple days following a weather disaster. It is vital that you have power backup options for your equipment or other plans to ensure your health and safety.
We encourage members to make a power back-up plan BEFORE IT IS NEEDED. Review and update the plan every six months. (One way to remember to do this is when you set your clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall).
Here are some planning basics that may be beneficial to you:
Create a plan for alternative sources of power.
Have a plan in place for transportation and safe dwelling where electricity is available. Make a list of local and regional shelters, schools, churches, community centers, Red Cross Centers, and family members, including physical addresses and telephone numbers, which may still have electricity, BEFORE IT IS NEEDED.
Book a hotel outside the parameters of the approaching storm. Many hotels will refund or waive deposits during emergency events. Secure transportation to the hotel if needed. Be sure to let caregivers and family members know if you are transported to a hotel or other location.
Have a phone that can be charged in a vehicle. Keep your vehicle full of gas if a storm is approaching or have an alternate means of transportation.
Read equipment instructions and talk to equipment suppliers about backup power options and operation.
Get advice from a trusted source on backup generator sources.
Regularly check backup or alternative power equipment to ensure it will work during an emergency.
Teach your family, caregivers, and immediate neighbors how to use your backup systems and operate your equipment.
Keep a list of alternate places that will serve as a power provider for your equipment.
Ask your local police and fire departments, and hospital, if you could use them as a backup for your equipment power if your personal backup system should fail.
Label all equipment with your name, address, and phone number. Attach simple and clear instructions cards to equipment and cover them with clear packing or mailing tape.
Keep copies of instructions for each piece of equipment, along with serial and model numbers, in a waterproof container or in your emergency supply kits.
If you require life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, etc.), notify your nearest fire department and hospital, in writing, that you are dependent on life-support devices.
All ventilator users should keep a resuscitation bag available. The bag delivers air through a mask when squeezed.
If you receive dialysis or other medical treatments, ask your health care provider for the plans in an emergency and where you should go for treatment if your usual clinic is not available after an emergency.
If you use oxygen, check with your health care provider to see if you can use a reduced flow rate in an emergency to extend the life of the system. Label your equipment with the allowed reduced flow numbers so that you and others can easily refer to them.
Be aware of oxygen safety practices: avoid areas where there are gas leaks or open flames; post “oxygen in use” signs; always use battery powered flashlights or lanterns rather than gas lights or candles when oxygen is in use to reduce fire risk; keep the shut-off switch for oxygen equipment near you so you can get to it quickly in case of emergency.
If you use a generator: make sure the use of a generator is appropriate and realistic for your circumstances; A 2000 to 2500-watt gas-powered generator can power a refrigerator and several lamps. (A refrigerator needs to run only 15 minutes an hour to stay cool if you keep the door closed. So, you could unplug it to operate other devices.)
Operate generators in open, outdoor areas to ensure good air circulation. Safely store fuel. Test your generator from time to time to make sure it will work when needed.
Some generators can connect to the existing home wiring systems. ALWAYS understand and CONFIRM critical restrictions and safety issues BEFORE you connect to any system. If in doubt, do not connect.
If you use rechargeable hearing aids, keep a supply of hearing aid batteries on hand.
Create a plan for how to recharge batteries when the electricity is out. Check with your medical vendor or supplier to find alternative ways to charge batteries if needed. Example, using a converter that plugs into a vehicle’s accessory outlet.
If you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter, ask your medical supplier for a lightweight manual wheelchair for emergency use.
Know the working time, or lifetime of any batteries that support your equipment or systems.
When power is restored, check to make sure the settings on your medical devices have not changed as devices often reset to a default mode when power goes out.
Remember that all Southern Pine employees will be working to restore your power as safely and quickly as possible but be prepared to guard your health and wellbeing. Together, we will get past the storms.
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