Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Older Adults

Preparing for an Emergency

Whether you’re experiencing a flood, earthquake, or wildfire, when disaster strikes, it can be devastating, to say the least. In many instances, you’ll have to prepare to evacuate your home or seek solace at home with little notice, making it imperative that you have a plan in place to stay safe—especially for seniors.

Learn more about how you can adequately prepare and protect yourself in the event of an emergency.

Develop a Plan

When it comes to preparing for any kind of emergency, developing an action plan should be the first step. Keep the following in mind while coordinating with your loved ones:

• Designate a point of contact who will check in on you during the disaster, whether that’s in-person or over the phone.
• Keep a physical copy of important contacts handy in the event that you lose power.
• If there is time to evacuate before the disaster hits, prepare an exit route and destination for you and your loved ones.

After developing your plan, be sure to keep a physical copy of everything handy in an easy-to-reach place.

Make an Emergency Kit

During and after an emergency, you may not have access to electricity, water, food, and other supplies that are essential to your health and wellbeing. It can be especially difficult for seniors to gather supplies right before or during an emergency, making it essential to keep non-perishable items and other useful items at home just in case.

Keep these items on hand, building up your supplies overtime to make sure you’re prepared when the time comes.

Medical supplies you should keep on hand include;

• Batteries and chargers for your devices.

• A jumper box to charge necessary devices.
• At least a 3-day supply of needed medications.
• A first aid kit.
• A cooler and ice packs.
• Glasses.
• Hearing aids.
• Medical devices like walkers, wheelchairs, or oxygen tanks.

Important documentation to keep in a water-proof bag include:

• Any ID tags that have your name, allergies, and emergency contact information on them.
• A list of your current medications and dosages.
• A physical copy of your emergency contact information including loved ones, your doctor, and/or your caregiver.
• Copies of your current insurance cards.
• Copies of your photo IDs.
• A physical copy of your allergies.
• Copies of medical power of attorney documents,

Sustenance to keep on hand should include:

• At least 3 days worth of water.
• Peanut butter.
• Crackers.
• Trail mixes and nuts.
• Canned tuna or salmon.
• Canned fruits and vegetables.
• Sports drinks.
• Powdered milk.
• Salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Cereal.
• Granola bars.