Emergency Preparedness for Elderly and Caregivers: Why Planning Ahead Matters

Dec 30, 2025
4 min read

Natural disaster effecting elderly and caregivers.

Natural disasters and emergencies are becoming more frequent across the United States. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, winter storms, and power outages now affect communities nationwide.

According to data from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), nearly 80 percent of Americans live in counties that have experienced a federally declared weather disaster since 2007. This means emergency preparedness is no longer a regional concern. It is something most families will face at some point.

For older adults, people with disabilities, and those managing complex health conditions, emergencies can be especially dangerous without advance planning. Mobility limitations, medical equipment, medication needs, and reliance on caregivers all add layers of risk.

September is National Preparedness Month, but emergency readiness is relevant year-round. Emergency preparedness for elderly and caregivers in critically important. Taking simple steps now can make a meaningful difference later.

Why Emergency Planning Is Especially Important for Seniors and People With Disabilities

Older adults and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected during disasters. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that individuals with chronic conditions or functional limitations face higher risks during evacuations, power outages, and disruptions to medical care.

Challenges may include:

Limited mobility or transportation access
Dependence on electrically powered medical devices
Need for consistent access to medications or supplies
Communication barriers
Social isolation

Planning ahead helps reduce uncertainty and allows caregivers, family members, and emergency responders to act more quickly and effectively.

Emergency Preparedness for Elderly and Caregivers: Start With a Conversation

Emergency preparedness should not be a solo effort.

Talk with family members, neighbors, caregivers, and close friends about potential emergencies and how you would support one another. Contact your local city or county emergency management office to learn about available resources, registries, or evacuation assistance programs.

Service providers such as meal delivery programs, home health agencies, and durable medical equipment suppliers may also offer guidance specific to your needs.

These conversations help build a support network before it is urgently needed.

Create and Share an Emergency Contact List

In an emergency, clear information saves time.

Prepare a contact list that includes:

Family members and caregivers
Neighbors or friends who can help
Health care providers and specialists
Pharmacies and medical supply companies
Insurance providers
Emergency services

Include phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. Keep a printed copy accessible and store another copy in a waterproof container as part of your emergency kit.

It is also important that more than one trusted person knows where to find this information.

Prepare for Power Outages and Medical Needs

Power outages are common during storms and heat waves, and they can be life-threatening for people who rely on medical equipment.

The CDC recommends that individuals who depend on electrically powered medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators, dialysis equipment, or powered wheelchairs, discuss outage planning with their health care providers in advance.

Your plan should include:

Backup power options, if available
Instructions for safely using or transporting equipment
Emergency contact numbers for device suppliers
Written documentation of device type and usage

Keep this information with your emergency supplies and make sure caregivers and family members can access it.

Keep an Up-to-Date Medication and Supply List

Medication disruptions are one of the most common and dangerous consequences of disasters.

FEMA and the CDC recommend keeping:

A current list of all medications, including dosages
A list of allergies and medical conditions
At least a seven-day supply of prescription medications, when possible
Extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, or other essential supplies

This information should be easy to update and easy to share if care needs change suddenly.

Plan Transportation and Evacuation Ahead of Time

Transportation can become a major barrier during emergencies.

Create a plan that answers:

How you would evacuate if needed
What medical equipment must travel with you
Who could assist with transportation
How to reach medical care if roads or services are disrupted

If possible, coordinate evacuation plans with a neighbor, family member, or caregiver ahead of time rather than trying to arrange help during a crisis.

Do Not Forget Pets and Service Animals

Emergency planning should include pets and service animals.

Your kit should include:

Food and water
Medications and medical records
Leashes, carriers, or harnesses
Comfort items

Some shelters and evacuation centers have restrictions, so knowing pet-friendly options in advance can prevent difficult decisions later.

Pack Essential Emergency Supplies

In addition to medical information and supplies, FEMA recommends keeping the following essentials readily available:

Non-perishable food and water
Flashlight and extra batteries
Weather radio
Blankets and extra clothing
Personal hygiene items
Cash
Copies of important documents

Store your emergency kit in an easy-to-access location and review it at least once a year.

A Final Thought

Emergencies are stressful enough without having to search for information, remember details, or coordinate care under pressure.

Preparedness is not about expecting the worst. It is about creating clarity, reducing risk, and helping everyone involved respond with confidence. When care information is organized and accessible, families and caregivers are better equipped to handle the unexpected.