Emergency preparedness is essential for everyone, but especially critical for seniors who may face unique challenges during crises. Whether it's a natural disaster, power outage, medical emergency, or evacuation situation, having a comprehensive emergency plan can be life-saving.
This guide walks you through creating a personalized emergency preparedness plan that addresses your specific needs, ensures you have necessary supplies, and provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters for Seniors
Seniors often face distinct challenges during emergencies that make advance planning particularly important:
- Medical needs: Ongoing medications, medical equipment, and specialized care requirements
- Mobility limitations: Difficulty evacuating quickly or navigating emergency situations
- Communication barriers: Hearing or vision challenges that may complicate receiving emergency information
- Social isolation: Living alone without immediate family nearby
- Cognitive considerations: Memory issues that may make emergency response more challenging
- Chronic conditions: Health issues that can be exacerbated by stress or lack of regular care
With proper planning, these challenges can be anticipated and addressed, significantly improving safety and outcomes during emergencies.
Creating Your Personal Emergency Plan
A comprehensive emergency plan should address different types of emergencies and include specific action steps, contact information, and resource locations.
Step 1: Identify Potential Emergencies
Consider emergencies most likely to occur in your area:
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires)
- Severe weather (blizzards, ice storms, extreme heat)
- Power outages
- Medical emergencies
- Home emergencies (fire, gas leak, water damage)
- Evacuation scenarios
Step 2: Establish an Emergency Contact Network
Create a comprehensive contact list that includes:
Primary Contacts:
- Family members (with multiple phone numbers)
- Close friends or neighbors
- Primary care physician
- Specialists for chronic conditions
- Pharmacy
Emergency Services:
- 911 (always call for life-threatening emergencies)
- Local police non-emergency number
- Fire department non-emergency number
- Hospital emergency department
- Poison control center
Support Services:
- Home care providers or companion caregivers
- Medical equipment suppliers
- Utility companies (electric, gas, water)
- Insurance providers (health, home, auto)
- Local emergency management office
Important Details:
- Keep list in large print in multiple locations
- Program numbers into phone with clear labels
- Provide copies to family members and caregivers
- Update regularly as contacts change
Step 3: Document Medical Information
Maintain current medical records and information that emergency responders may need:
Essential Medical Information:
- Complete medication list (name, dosage, frequency, prescribing doctor)
- Medication allergies and adverse reactions
- Chronic conditions and diagnoses
- Recent hospitalizations or surgeries
- Medical equipment and serial numbers
- Primary care physician and specialists
- Health insurance information
- Advance directives and do-not-resuscitate orders
- Blood type
- Immunization records
Storage and Access:
- Keep copies in multiple locations (bedroom, wallet, emergency kit)
- Store digital copies in cloud storage or with trusted family
- Use medical ID bracelet or necklace
- Place medical information sheet on refrigerator (EMTs check there)
- Update whenever changes occur
Building Your Emergency Supply Kit
Every senior should maintain a comprehensive emergency supply kit that can sustain them for at least 72 hours (preferably one week) without outside assistance.
Essential Supplies:
Water:
- One gallon per person per day (minimum 3-day supply, ideally 7 days)
- Additional water for pets
- Water purification tablets or portable filter
Food:
- Non-perishable items requiring minimal preparation
- Manual can opener
- Consider dietary restrictions and preferences
- Examples: canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers
Medications and Medical Supplies:
- 7-day supply of all prescription medications (rotate regularly)
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrheal)
- First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, scissors, tweezers, thermometer)
- Extra glasses or contact lenses with solution
- Hearing aid batteries
- Medical equipment batteries (glucose monitor, blood pressure cuff)
- Copies of prescriptions
Personal Care Items:
- Toilet paper and personal hygiene products
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer
- Soap and shampoo
- Denture supplies
- Incontinence supplies if needed
- Feminine hygiene products
Important Documents (waterproof container):
- Identification (driver's license, passport)
- Insurance cards and policies
- Bank account information
- Property deeds or lease
- Medical records and medication list
- Emergency contacts
- Advance directives
- Photos of family members for identification purposes
Communication and Light:
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio)
- Flashlights (multiple) with extra batteries
- Cell phone with chargers (wall, car, portable battery)
- Whistle to signal for help
- Paper and pencil
Clothing and Comfort:
- Change of clothes appropriate for season
- Sturdy shoes
- Warm layers and rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Comfort items (photos, cards, puzzles)
Tools and Supplies:
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- Local maps
- Cash (ATMs may not work during power outages)
- Extra house and car keys
Special Considerations:
- Pet supplies (food, water, medications, carrier, leash)
- Baby supplies if grandchildren visit
- Items for specialized medical equipment
Storage and Maintenance:
- Store kit in easily accessible location
- Use backpack or wheeled container for portability
- Check and update supplies every 6 months
- Rotate food and water supplies
- Test flashlights and radios
- Update documents as needed
- Consider smaller kit for car
Emergency Evacuation Planning
If you need to evacuate quickly, advance planning makes all the difference.
Evacuation Preparation:
Identify Evacuation Routes:
- Know multiple routes out of your home and neighborhood
- Practice evacuation with family or caregivers
- Know location of nearest emergency shelter
- Keep car fueled (at least half tank)
Pre-Arranged Destinations:
- Identify where you'll go (family, friends, hotel)
- Have addresses and directions programmed
- Confirm arrangements with hosts in advance
- Consider accessibility needs of destination
Transportation:
- Arrange transportation if you can't drive
- Register with local emergency management for special needs assistance
- Keep emergency contact numbers for rides
- Have backup transportation plans
Evacuation Checklist:
- Grab-and-go emergency kit
- Medications and medical supplies
- Important documents
- Phone and chargers
- List of contacts
- Cash and credit cards
- Change of clothes
- Pet supplies
Home Security:
- Lock windows and doors
- Unplug appliances (except refrigerator/freezer)
- Turn off gas, water, electricity if instructed
- Leave note about evacuation location for family
Sheltering in Place
Some emergencies require staying home rather than evacuating. Your home should be prepared to sustain you safely.
Shelter-in-Place Preparations:
Designated Safe Room:
- Interior room, preferably without windows
- Above ground level (avoid basements for floods)
- Supply kit stored in or near this room
Supplies for Extended Stay:
- Week's worth of food and water
- Battery-powered devices
- Entertainment (books, puzzles, games)
- Portable toilet supplies if plumbing fails
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sealing room if needed
Communication:
- Keep phone charged
- Monitor emergency broadcasts
- Check in with family regularly
- Follow official instructions
Special Medical Considerations
Seniors with specific medical needs require additional planning:
Power-Dependent Medical Equipment:
- Battery backup power supplies
- Generator (properly installed and ventilated)
- Plan for evacuation if power loss is life-threatening
- Register with utility company for priority restoration
- Know hospital policy for emergency generator access
Oxygen Therapy:
- Maintain extra tanks
- Know duration of current supply
- Have evacuation plan that accommodates equipment
- Train family on equipment use
Mobility Devices:
- Keep devices fully charged
- Have manual wheelchair as backup
- Identify evacuation assistance needs
- Register with emergency management for special needs
Cognitive Challenges:
- Medical ID with condition and contact information
- Clear written emergency instructions
- Family or caregiver alert system
- Safe return program registration
- Photographs for identification
Community Resources and Support
Take advantage of community resources designed to help seniors during emergencies:
Registration Programs:
- Special needs registry with local emergency management
- Utility company medical baseline or critical care programs
- Community emergency response team (CERT)
- Neighborhood watch programs
Local Support Services:
- Senior centers with emergency shelter capabilities
- Area Agency on Aging emergency resources
- Local Red Cross chapter
- Faith-based organization assistance programs
- Meals on Wheels emergency food provisions
Practice and Review
Emergency plans are only effective if you're familiar with them and keep them current:
Regular Practice:
- Review plan every 6 months
- Practice evacuation route
- Test emergency kit supplies
- Update contact information
- Refresh family on procedures
- Conduct home fire drills
Updates Needed When:
- Medications change
- Health status changes
- Contact information changes
- You move or renovate
- Family circumstances change
- Local emergency resources change
"Emergency preparedness isn't about living in fear—it's about taking practical steps that provide security, confidence, and peace of mind. When you're prepared, you can face any challenge with greater calm and resilience."
Involving Family and Caregivers
Share your emergency plan with family members and caregivers:
- Provide copies of complete plan
- Review plan together
- Ensure they know kit location
- Establish check-in protocols
- Designate decision-makers
- Practice procedures together
Download Your Emergency Preparedness Plan Template
Ready to create your comprehensive emergency plan? Download our detailed template with checklists, contact sheets, and planning tools:
📥 Download Emergency Preparedness Plan (PDF)
For companion care services that include emergency support and assistance in White Rock and South Surrey, contact LinkRx at 604-338-3098 or visit www.linkrx.ca. We're here to support you in all situations.