If you are an older adult, you may face challenges during an emergency due to mobility issues or if family members or friends are unable to reach you. Older adults may face additional challenges, such as hearing or vision problems or cognitive impairment, which may make it difficult to access, understand, or respond to emergency instructions. Normally available support services may also be limited.

Plan Ahead

Communication
Plan how you will communicate if you have a communications need.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Include items that meet your individual needs, such as medications, medical supplies, batteries and chargers.
Assistive Devices
Plan how you will have your assistive devices with you during an evacuation.
Important documents
Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards.
Transportation
Plan for transportation if you need help evacuating.
Pets and Service animals
Plan for food, water, and essentials for your pets or service animals. Research pet-friendly evacuation centers and shelters.

MAKE A PLAN

Determine any special special assistance you may need and include plans for that assistance in your emergency plan. More detailed information can be found on our disabilities and functional needs planning page.

Woman helping older adult on a tablet
  • Create a support network of family, friends 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 back-up 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.

GET BENEFITS ELECTRONICALLY

A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits switching to electronic payments is a simple, important way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

  • Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
  • The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper.