Being an oxygen connoisseur for 2 years plus now, it becomes a wee bit interesting when the electricity goes out. Down goes the concentrator-you hear a shrill sound to let you know that you are being deprived of O2, a dash-more like a slow walk to retrieve an oxygen tank, hook up on the tank, drag along my tank that keeps me tethered for about 10 feet, hit the kill switch on the shrieking machine, find the cellphone, call NYSG to let them know you are without electricity and O2, the call lady checks on our account-yes, she confirms that it lists that I am on O2 , and she'll let the linemen (I guess there are no women) know about my predicament. If you are an expert in English, please ignore my run on sentences.
Meanwhile, how will I do my inhaler that needs soap and warm water, then, a warm rinse. Well, hopefully, the electricity will turn back on and I can clean my inhaler before the next treatment. The NYSEG lady has assured me that the electricity will be back in one hour and forty-five minutes. I check our clock that hasn't stopped because its juice is gone. Hmmm.... What will I do if the electricity doesn't turn on in that time frame?
If it doesn't come on before bedtime, I can not sleep on oxygen from the tanks, so it is time to call mom. Does she have electricity? Yeah, she does! Will I need to start packing meds., oxygen tanks, concentrator, inhaler bag, clothes, and the list goes on. In other words, just pack the kitchen sink. Yikes, are there dishes in there, too? No, thank goodness. Besides, there is no electricity to wash them if they were residing there.
Just as I think that I'll head for the phone to call NYSEG as the time is becoming critical as to whether we need to start packing, hauling equipment to the car and ripping out the kitchen sink to take with us, the electricity magically comes to life. Ah, those linemen and linewomen are doing a fine job. They have saved us a whole lot of work. Well, I shall sleep well tonight as my O2 is back on and humming away. If I hear a shrill sound during the night, I'll know our electricity is down again. Sweet dreams.
Oh, those tornado warnings didn't come to fruition. Thank you much. Another plan to put into place. Hit the basement and hope for the best. I figured the bathroom was a good place-sink, toilet-hang on to the toilet and hopefully, it stays grounded. If not, I figured I would be floating around hanging on a toilet with a tank attached following me. What a sight that would make!!
May your kitchen sink be empty when the electricity goes off. May your linemen and linewomen hook you right back up, so that you can continue on your way.
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