In a recent article, AARP explored a tragic national pattern of senior lives lost during weather disasters. Nearly three-quarters of the 115 victims of the wildfire that devastated Lahaina on the island of Maui in 2023 were over the age of 60. Last fall’s wildfires that whipped through Los Angeles suburban areas claimed the lives of several elderly residents and many disabled elderly were abandoned. A more recent example occurred during the July 4th holiday weekend, when flash floods swept through areas of Texas Hill Country and claimed several elderly lives.
When Hurricane Ian tore through Florida’s west coast in September 2022, about two-thirds of the 150 people who died were seniors. That same month, Hurricane Fiona devastated Puerto Rico, claiming 42 lives—35 of them over the age of 65. During Texas’s deadly 2021 “Big Freeze,” people 60 and older accounted for 60% of fatalities. In Northern California’s 2018 Camp Fire, 72 of the 84 identified victims were seniors.
These numbers tell a sobering truth: disasters do not strike evenly. Older adults often face greater physical vulnerability, mobility challenges, and barriers to timely evacuation. Without targeted protections and planning, they will continue to bear the heaviest toll.
Extreme weather events and natural disasters can strike with little warning. For older adults and seniors—especially those with mobility challenges, chronic health conditions, or living alone—being prepared can mean the difference between safety and danger.
Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or extended power outage, having a plan in place gives seniors and their loved ones peace of mind.
Why Emergency Preparedness Matters More for Seniors
As we age, certain factors can make emergencies more challenging:
- Slower evacuation times due to mobility or transportation limitations
- Medical needs that require electricity (oxygen, CPAP machines, refrigerated medications)
- Communication barriers if hearing or vision impairments make alerts harder to follow
- Heightened health risks from extreme temperatures during outages
Planning ahead can help older adults and seniors overcome these challenges.
Step 1: Create a Personal Emergency Plan
- List Critical Information
- Keep a written list of medications, dosages, doctors, and emergency contacts.
- Store this list in a waterproof pouch in a purse, wallet, or go-bag.
- Identify a Support Network
- Arrange with neighbors, friends, or family to check in during emergencies.
- Choose an out-of-town contact in case local communication fails.
- Know Your Evacuation Routes
- Find at least two safe ways out of your neighborhood.
- If you don’t drive, make transportation arrangements in advance.
Step 2: Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
A well-stocked kit should sustain you for at least 3 days. Essentials include:
- Water: One gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food: Ready-to-eat items like canned goods, protein bars
- Medical needs: 7-day supply of medications, spare glasses, hearing aid batteries
- Light & power: Flashlight, extra batteries, power bank for phone
- Comfort & safety: Blanket, extra clothing, hygiene products, face masks
- Important documents: Copies of ID, insurance cards, advance directives
If you rely on powered medical equipment, ask your utility company about priority power restoration programs or backup battery options.
Step 3: Plan for Specific Emergencies
Hurricanes
- Sign up for local emergency alerts.
- Have plywood or hurricane shutters ready to protect windows.
- Evacuate early if you live in a coastal or flood-prone area.
Wildfires
- Keep a “go-bag” ready by the door.
- Maintain defensible space around your home (clear leaves, trim bushes).
- Know your community’s evacuation zones.
Power Outages
- Keep perishable food safety guidelines handy:
- Refrigerator items are safe for 4 hours without power.
- Freezer items are safe for 48 hours if full, 24 hours if half full.
- Have battery-powered lights—avoid candles for fire safety.
Last summer, 82-year-old Maria in Florida avoided a medical emergency during a hurricane because she had prepared:
- A neighbor on her support list helped her evacuate before the storm.
- Her go-bag contained medications, important documents, and bottled water.
- She arranged with her electric company for priority reconnection due to her oxygen machine.
Maria’s foresight turned a potentially dangerous situation into a safe evacuation.
Emergency Preparedness Resources for Seniors & Families
- Ready.gov – Older Adults: www.ready.gov/older-adults
- American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness: www.redcross.org
- FEMA Emergency Alerts: www.fema.gov
- CDC Preparedness for Older Adults: www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness
- American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/disasters-response/older-adults-preparation-assistance
Preparing for Disaster Helps Manage Senior Risk
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but preparation brings control. By building a plan, stocking supplies, and knowing where to turn for help, seniors and their families can face hurricanes, wildfires, and power outages with more confidence that their risks are managed and their safety is protected. Even small steps today—like making a phone list or packing a go-bag—can make a huge difference when time is short.
Always remember, Amada Senior Care is here to support your health and independence—every step of the way. CLICK HERE to find an Amada office near you and request a complimentary care needs assessment.
