Older adult preparedness

Be Ready Utah

How can older adults prepare for emergencies?

Everybody needs to “be ready” for disasters and emergencies. Being informed, making plans, getting kits and supplies, and getting involved are the preparedness steps Utahns need to take to prepare. You may have older adults in your family or household who need help in doing what is necessary to be ready for disasters. You may even find yourself dependent on others for assistance.

The steps of preparedness are the same for everyone, even though they are applied differently depending on each person’s unique needs and abilities. If you are an older adult or care for one who is, it is your responsibility to make adjustments to your preparedness plans to accommodate these unique needs.

Two seniors wearing backpacks are walking hand in hand on a city street in bright daylight.
A pair of black-framed eyeglasses rests next to two silver and blue hearing aids connected by a thin wire on a white surface.

Assistive aids and devices

Think about the items you use every day, such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, sleeping aids, or anything else that makes your life a little easier.

  • Keep spares: If possible, put extra sets directly into your emergency kits so they are ready to go.
  • Evacuation list: If you don't have backups, put these items at the top of your prioritized evacuation list for when you need to evacuate.
A woman in a white coat with a stethoscope is explaining medication from a prescription bottle to an older woman across a counter in a pharmacy setting.

Medications

Find out how your medicine works before a disaster happens.

  • Talk to professionals: Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can get extra supplies, how long your medicines last, and if they are safe to use after the expiration date.
  • Plan ahead: Figure out a storage plan for both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
An elderly man in a bathrobe sits next to a machine displaying medical information. Text reads, "Have power backups for medical equipment."

Medical equipment

If you rely on medical devices, remember that many of them need electricity or batteries to run.

  • Backups: Stock up on extra batteries or set up a backup power supply.
  • Service plans: Contact your equipment provider to ask about emergency support.
Three adults are engaged in a lively conversation in a cozy room with floral paintings, with one older adult woman is sitting in a wheelchair wearing a red sweater.

Mobility issues

Moving quickly during an emergency can be tough if you have trouble getting around.

  • Mobility tools: Make sure items like canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or special shoes are easy to reach.
  • Ask for help: If you need help getting out of bed, out of a chair, or out of the house, talk to a neighbor or family member now to see if they can assist you during an emergency. Practice with them regularly.
A senior woman wearing a red cardigan and white blouse is smiling and shaking hands with a younger woman in a dark blazer at a doorway.

Support network

Many older adults live by themselves, making a support group essential.

  • Build a team: Create a network of trusted neighbors, friends, or family members who agree to check on you during a crisis.
  • Share details: Give one or two people in your network a house key. Make sure they know where your medications are and how to help you take them.
  • Practice: Make sure they are aware of your specific needs and practice your emergency plans together.

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