GuidesHealth and wellbeing7 min read

Emergency preparedness for older adults

Most emergency advice assumes a household that can lift, drive, and wait in line. Preparedness for older adults starts by removing those assumptions.

Medications and medical equipment

Medication access is the first thing to fail in a disruption, and it is the easiest to plan for.

Keep at least a two-week supply of every prescription, refilled on a rotation
Carry a written list of medications, doses, allergies, and prescribing doctors
Ask the pharmacy about emergency refill rules in your state
Plan for refrigerated medications with a cooler and ice packs

Power-dependent and mobility equipment

Oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, lifts, and power chairs all stop working in an outage. Each needs a documented backup.

Register with the utility as a medical-needs customer for outage priority
Keep a charged battery backup and a car charging adapter for essential devices
Keep a manual alternative available, such as a backup oxygen cylinder or a manual wheelchair
Store a spare cane, walker, glasses, and hearing aid batteries with the go bag

Evacuation with limited mobility

Evacuation takes longer and needs more hands. Arrange the help before the warning.

Name two neighbors who can help you leave and give them a spare key
Confirm whether local transit or emergency services run an assistance registry
Identify accessible shelters and a relative's home outside the risk area
Practice the route out of the home, including in the dark

Documents, contacts, and check-ins

Clear paperwork prevents delays in care and in benefits after an event.

Keep copies of Medicare and insurance cards, ID, and advance directives in a grab folder
Note who holds power of attorney and healthcare proxy, and how to reach them
Set a daily check-in call or text with a family member during any event
Add an emergency contact card to a wallet and to the refrigerator door

Common questions

How much medication should an older adult keep on hand for emergencies?

Aim for a two-week supply where insurance and prescribing rules allow. Ask the pharmacy about vacation overrides or emergency refills to build the buffer without a gap.

What if a family member depends on powered medical equipment?

Register with the utility as a medical-needs customer, keep a charged battery backup and vehicle charger, and have a manual alternative plus a plan to relocate to a place with power.

Should older adults shelter in place or evacuate?

It depends on the hazard and the home. Evacuation takes longer with limited mobility, so decide the trigger point in advance and leave early rather than at the last warning.

See where your household stands

The Household Resilience Check scores this dimension along with seven others in about five minutes.

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