Severe Weather Preparation for Power Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters

Nov. 9, 2012 - PRLog -- With the devastation from Hurricane Sandy affecting so many of our fellow citizens, it really emphasized how important mobility is and to be prepared. For those in the storm ravaged areas who rely on power wheelchairs and mobility scooters to get around, extra precautions were needed. The warning of power outages became a reality for so many on the eastern coast and since power wheelchairs and scooters run off of an electric charge, loss of mobility was a constant threat. Having extra batteries on hand is a great idea in case an emergency situation arises. Remember to charge these once a week to make sure they are ready to go.  There are also in-vehicle charges available which will charge your scooter or power wheelchair while you are transporting your unit inside a car, van or SUV.

    Another necessity is to make sure your unit stays dry. The electronics are obviously the most vulnerable to wet conditions. If you are someone who uses a power wheelchair or scooter outside, you should always carry a plastic bag or cover to fit over your tiller or joystick in case you get caught in a sudden downpour. This simple precaution could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars should you have to replace your unit due to water damage.

    Another improvement in the durable medical equipment industry relates to reclining lift chairs. It used to be that if there was a power outage while someone was in a lift chair, they were stuck in whatever position they were in at the time the power went out. This was especially dangerous for those who live alone. With the new power lift chairs there is a battery backup feature, which takes away the worry of being stranded in mid air. Also, the new light up hand controls on reclining lift chairs stay lit even if the power goes out.

    If you know that a storm is coming your way and the loss of power is a worry, the first thing you want to do is to charge up your power wheelchair or scooter fully. It is like putting a full tank of gas in your car. If you also have one of our mini generator kits, you will have the added security of making it through until your power is restored.

  Hurricane Sandy was a real wake-up call forcing everyone to take a better look at what they need to be safe and stay moving. For those who rely on mobility products to get around, planning ahead takes on even more significance.

Power Wheelchair Information: http://www.scooterlink.com/departments/wheelchairs/power-...

Mobility Scooter Information:  http://www.scooterlink.com/departments/scooters.cfm