Kaua‘i Residents with Electricity-Dependent Medical Needs

Aloha Kaua‘i,

Emergency preparedness is critical for all families on Kaua’i, and even more so for those with members who require additional assistance during an emergency. According to the Kaua‘i District Health Office’s June 2023 preparedness survey known as CASPER, 18% of households have at least one family member who requires additional assistance during an emergency, including 3% who use electricity for a medical device and 4% who need refrigeration for essential medication.

If you are 62 years or older and/or have household members that requires use of a life-support device, consider completing KIUC’s form on the following page. Emergency preparedness for durable medical equipment (DME) during power outages is crucial for individuals who rely on such equipment for their health and well-being. Important considerations include:

• Assessment of Equipment Needs
  • Identify and list all electricity-dependent DME and medications that require refrigeration that you or your loved one rely on.
• Consider Backup Power Solutions
  • Options include portable generators, uninterruptable power supplies and battery-powered equipment designed for medical use.
  • Ensure backup power sources are in working condition. Have a plan for recharging or replacing batteries as needed.
  • For prolonged power outages, some may need to seek assistance from local emergency medical services, hospitals or available shelters.
• Emergency Kit and Medication
  • Include your DME in your emergency kit, along with essential items such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, personal hygiene items and any assistance devices needed for daily living.
  • Stockpile extra medications, consumable supplies and replacement parts for your DME in case you cannot access them during an outage.
  • Ensure you have a 14-day supply of water and food.
• Emergency & Communication Plan
  • Develop a comprehensive emergency plan that takes your medical needs into account. Share this plan with your support network so they can assist you in case of an emergency.
  • Consider evacuation plans and transportation options, if needed.
  • Have a battery-operated or hand-crank emergency radio to stay informed about weather conditions and local emergency updates.
• Battery Backup & Regular Maintenance
  • Many DME devices come with built-in battery backups. Make sure these are always fully charged.
  • Have spare batteries on hand, and know how to replace them.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your DME to ensure it’s in good working condition.
• Emergency Contact Information
  • Create a list of essential contacts, including healthcare providers and equipment suppliers.
  • Share this list with family members, neighbors and caregiver.
• Medical Records
  • Keep copies of your medical records, treatment plans, and a list of your medications in a waterproof location.

If you have any questions about how to better prepare your household for emergencies, please call the Kaua‘i District Health Office at 808-241-3555.

To review how prepared Kaua‘i households are for various disasters, please check out the 2023 CASPER report at health.hawaii.gov/Kauai/CASPER.

Mahalo nui,

Jana Burnside, Public Health Preparedness Educator
Kaua‘i District Health Office

Lauren Guest, Deputy District Health Officer
Kaua‘i District Health Office