Oxygen-Dependent Patient Resources After The Storm

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla. — If you are oxygen-dependent you may need to take additional steps to secure emergency oxygen tanks and equipment while recovering from Hurricane Irma, especially if power has not yet been restored to your residence. Oxygen-dependent residents should:

• Contact your oxygen supplier and request additional tanks. If you're unable to get the oxygen needed from your local office, and you are dealing with a national provider, call their other offices and request a delivery.
• If your oxygen supply company still cannot provide additional tanks, call the medical provider who wrote the order for the oxygen. This may be your primary care provider. Request a new order to be placed with another company that can provide emergency oxygen.
• If your home is still without power, contact your utility company to make them aware of your oxygen dependency, and they may be able to add your home to a medical priority list. Also, contact family and friends who have power and are willing to assist.
• Local special needs shelters remain open in some counties and may be able to assist. The shelter should not be your primary source for oxygen and is only a temporary solution. For information on local special needs shelters, click here. Bring your own concentrator and a caregiver if you normally need assistance at home.

If you are critically low on oxygen tanks and supplies, go to the hospital or call 911.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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