As an older adult, you may have specific needs after a disaster. Use the information on this page to assess your needs and take steps to become better prepared.
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Step One - Assess your needs
Know the risks in your area, including past weather events.
Keep informed about local events and bad weather by watching or listening to local news.
Sign up for Alert Iowa, or ask a family member to help if you cannot. Buy a weather radio as a backup.
General Considerations
Do I have any medical conditions or dietary requirements that require specific care or medication? Ask your doctor about an emergency supply of medications or equipment.
Do I have trouble moving around or any disabilities I need to plan for? Do I need special batteries, chargers, or other equipment?
How will I ensure the safety and well-being of my pet or service animal?
Have I set up ways to talk with neighbors and local emergency services? Do I have a buddy plan if I need help leaving my home?
Older Adults with Disabilities
What special help or equipment do I need during an emergency?
Have I identified an accessible evacuation route and shelter?
Are my caregivers aware of my emergency plans and needs?
What assistive aids for routine or daily living will I need if I am displaced longer than expected?
Older Adults with Limited Resources
What resources do I already have access to that I could use in an emergency or if I need to evacuate?
Have I explored community resources that can assist me during emergencies?
Do I know what affordable transportation options exist if needed?
How do I currently address my basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc.) and how will this change during an emergency?
Older Adults Living in Rural Areas
What community resources are available to me that I can leverage before an emergency?
What is my communications plan if I lose access to cell phone or internet reception?
Do I have a reliable means of transportation if evacuation becomes necessary?
Do I have enough supplies at home in case I cannot access services for a while?
Where do I go now for support or assistance and are they able to support me during an emergency?
Step Two - Make a plan
Now that you have assessed your needs, it’s time to make a plan. Additional considerations:
Create a support network of family, friends, caregivers, and others who can assist you during an emergency. Make an emergency plan and practice it with them.
Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.
If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify backup service providers.
Don’t forget your pets or service animals. Not all shelters accept pets, so plan for alternatives. Consider asking loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area if they can help with your animals.
Older Adults with Disabilities
Include assistive devices (hearing aids, mobility aids) and spare batteries.
Keep a list of your support network and their contact information.
Include food and supplies for service animals.
Older Adults with Limited Resources
Look for discounted or free resources for building your emergency kit.
Explore community resources that help during emergencies.
Organize key financial and insurance documents in a water proof container that is easily accessible and portable.
Older Adults in Rural Areas
Stock up on essential supplies that might be difficult to obtain during emergencies.
Create a network of neighbors who can help during crises.
Have a backup power source and reliable means of communication.
Step Three - Engage your support network
Build a strong support network and include them in your emergency planning. This section provides recommendations for how you can engage your family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, fellow congregants from your place of worship, and others who can assist you during an emergency.
Checklist to Engage your Support Network
I have created a support network of family, friends, caregivers, fellow congregants at my place of worship, and others who can assist me during an emergency.
I have shared and practiced my emergency plan with my support network.
My support network is aware of any specific needs I have.
Someone in my support network has an extra key to my home, knows where I keep my emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment and administer medicine.
I know my clinic/hospital’s emergency plans and have identified backup service providers.
My support network and I are informed about local emergency alerts and updates.
I have or will try to participate in a community preparedness event or initiative
Older Adults - Take Control in 1,2,3
This PSA from FEMA and the Ad Council encourages older adults to take three simple steps to prepare for an emergency: 1) assess needs, 2) make a plan, 3) engage support networks.
