How to Prepare for a Hurricane With Oxygen or Medical Equipment
A power, battery, supplier, shelter, and evacuation plan for electricity-dependent care.
Start here
Contact the equipment supplier and clinician before a storm to document backup power, battery runtime, oxygen resupply, safe transport, and what to do if the device fails. Register for special-needs sheltering when ordinary shelter support is not enough.
What to have in front of you
- The notice, bill, decision, or discharge paperwork connected to the problem
- The person’s full name, date of birth, address, insurance information, and identification
- A short timeline with dates, names, phone calls, and what changed
- Copies of medical, school, financial, or care records that directly support the request
What to say when someone answers
“This person depends on oxygen or powered medical equipment. I need a written backup plan for batteries, resupply, evacuation, shelter compatibility, and a prolonged outage.”
Small but useful: Write down the person’s name, the date, the exact next step, and when you should call again.
Do this in order
- 1
List every device, power draw, battery type, charging method, oxygen flow rate, and supplier emergency number.
- 2
Ask the supplier how long batteries and oxygen will last and when storm deliveries stop.
- 3
Register for Special Needs sheltering and transportation if the home plan is unsafe.
- 4
Label equipment, pack extension cords and chargers, protect documents, and test the backup power before hurricane season.
What happens next
Suppliers and emergency management can explain their responsibilities, but families still need a practical backup for outages and delayed deliveries.
If they say “we’ll put you on the list”
If power loss threatens life or the device is failing, call 911. FPL’s medically essential designation can support planning but does not guarantee priority restoration.
Official sources
- Brevard County Emergency Management — build a kit
- Brevard County Emergency Management — have a plan
- Florida Power & Light — Medically Essential Service
Checked August 5, 2026. Programs, hours, funding, and enrollment lists can change. Confirm details directly before relying on them.