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Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith September is National Preparedness Month: Power Sources According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. electricity customer was without power for 250 minutes and experienced 1.3 outage in 2016. A power outage can disrupt medical services, close pharmacies, and create a life-threatening predicament for the over 2.5 million people who rely on electric-powered medical equipment. Prepare for a prolonged blackout with an emergency power plan and back up and alternative power sources for your cellphone, refrigerator, and medical equipment. The Basics • A flashlight or head lamp • Extra batteries in standard sizes, such as AA and AAA • Hearing aid batteries • Car charger(s) and adapters for electric-dependent equipment and devices • Jump starter and/or jumper cables • A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio with USB port(s) • A generator • Battery-powered smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors • Appliance thermometers for your refrigerator and freezer • A surge protector power strip(s) Quick Tips • Pack flashlights or a battery-powered lantern for emergency lighting. Candles pose a fire hazard. Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer HHS Director Office: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 249 Office: [PHONE REDACTED] e-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 24/7/365 Emergency Contact Numbers Dr. Johnson’s cell: (760) 914-0496 Dispatch: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 330 ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: Donald M. Jardine, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Katherine Rakow, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith • Create an Emergency Power Planning Checklist for your medical devices, including breathing machines, power wheelchairs and scooters, nebulizers, and oxygen or home dialysis equipment. • Read the user manual or contact the manufacturer to find out if your medical device is compatible with batteries or a generator. • Contact your local fire department, and power and water companies if you use electric- powered medical equipment. Some utility companies keep a “priority reconnection service” list of power-dependent customers. • If possible, buy manual alternatives for your electric devices that are portable, dependable, and durable. For example, a manual wheelchair, walker or cane as a backup for an electric scooter. • Fully charge your electronic devices, medical equipment, and back-up power sources if you know a disaster is coming. • Place plastic bags filled with water in the freezer to keep foods cold in a power outage. Drink the water when the ice melts. Resources • What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly • Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After an Emergency • Electrical Safety and Generators • Home Use Devices: How to Prepare for and Handle Power Outages (FDA) • Tips about Medical Devices and Storms (FDA) • Refrigerated Food and Power Outages: When to Save and When to Throw Out (HHS) • Homeowners: Respond to Power Outages (DOE) • Homeowners: Choosing the Right Backup Generator (DOE) • Homeowners: Alternative Backup Power Options (DOE)