Senior Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A standard emergency kit provides the foundation. Seniors need that foundation plus a carefully considered layer of personal additions that no pre-packed kit can anticipate. The goal is 72 hours of genuine self-sufficiency or the ability to get help quickly if something goes wrong.
This checklist expands on our guide to customizing an emergency kit for your family's specific needs →
Medications and medical:
- A 7-day supply of all prescription medications and rotate regularly to keep them current
- Copies of all prescriptions and a complete list of dosages
- Any medical equipment: glucose monitors, blood pressure cuffs, hearing aid batteries
- Extra eyeglasses or a written copy of the current prescription. Losing glasses during a disaster is one of the most commonly overlooked senior vulnerabilities
- A whistle or personal alarm. If a senior falls or becomes trapped and can't reach a phone, this can be life-saving, especially for those living alone
- Extra phone charger or backup battery pack. Many seniors have one primary way to communicate, and a dead phone in an emergency is a serious vulnerability
Documents and information:
- Copies of insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid information, and doctor contact numbers
- A written list of all conditions, medications, and allergies that emergency responders should know about
- Copies of important legal documents. Their will, power of attorney, and healthcare proxy
- A written emergency contact list including family members, neighbors, and caregivers. Don't rely solely on a phone that may not be charged or working
Comfort and practical needs:
- Warm clothing and an extra blanket. Seniors are more vulnerable to hypothermia and temperature changes than younger adults
- Personal care items specific to individual needs such as denture supplies, incontinence products, or other daily essentials that are easy to overlook but critical to have
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Seniors are often more reliant on local emergency broadcasts and less likely to have smartphones with alert capabilities
- Cash in small bills. ATMs and card readers frequently go down during emergencies
- A familiar comfort item. Their cognitive and emotional wellbeing during displacement matters, particularly for seniors with any memory concerns
Talk to your doctor about obtaining a small emergency supply of critical medications. Many physicians will provide one if asked directly.
The guidance on this page aligns with FEMA and American Red Cross preparedness recommendations.
Looking for general preparedness guidance? Visit our Be Ready Basics FAQ →