Older adults and people with disabilities in emergencies: plan, adapted kit and support network
How older adults and people with disabilities can prepare for earthquakes, power cuts, heatwaves or evacuations: the support network, medication and powered equipment, an adapted kit, and how you can help older parents and neighbors.
In short
- The most important part of the plan is a support network: 2–3 people who know about you and will come to check on you.
- At least 7 days of medication, a written list of drugs and doses, and copies of prescriptions.
- If you rely on powered equipment (oxygen concentrator, powered bed or wheelchair), you need a power cut plan.
- If you have older parents or neighbors, check on them in heatwaves, cold snaps and power cuts: they are the most at risk.
In almost every disaster, from heatwaves to floods and fires, older adults and people with disabilities are hit hardest. Often not because of the event itself, but because nobody knew they needed help. In 2026, the citizens consulted by the European Commission explicitly asked for preparedness information to reach them too, including door to door.
This guide is adapted from FEMA’s Ready.gov guidance for older adults and people with disabilities, which is in the public domain.
1. Your support network
The most important thing isn’t in the bag: it’s 2–3 people who know about you and will check on you in an emergency. They can be relatives, neighbors, friends or people from your community.
- Tell them what help you need: getting up or down stairs, taking medication, starting a device.
- Give them a spare key if you trust them.
- Agree how you’ll get in touch if phones don’t work: who comes to you and how soon.
- Put it all in a written emergency plan, with a copy for each of them.
2. Medication and medical information
- medication for at least 7 days, ideally 14 (see emergency medication supply)
- a written list of your medicines, doses, allergies and conditions
- copies of prescriptions and important medical letters
- names and phone numbers of your doctor and specialists
- if you need refrigerated medicine (insulin), a cool bag and ice packs
3. Equipment that needs power
If you use an oxygen concentrator, a powered bed or wheelchair, a suction device or home dialysis, a power cut is a medical emergency.
- Discuss with your doctor and equipment supplier what to do in a long outage.
- Keep charged spare batteries or a portable power station suited to the device.
- For oxygen, backup cylinders.
- Find out which hospital or center you can go to if the outage outlasts the device’s battery.
More in our guide to home medical devices.
4. The adapted kit
On top of the basic kit, add what applies to you:
- spare glasses, hearing aid batteries
- spare dentures and cleaning solution, if needed
- a spare cane, walker or folding seat
- adult incontinence products and hygiene items
- a whistle or bell to call for help
- a simple phone with large keys and key numbers saved
- an easy-to-switch-on flashlight by the bed
- for people with hearing loss: a notepad and pen to communicate with rescuers
- for people with low vision: tactile labels or a fixed order for items in the kit
5. Evacuation
- If you live upstairs and can’t use stairs, agree with neighbors in advance who will help.
- Never use the elevator in an earthquake or fire.
- When you call the emergency number, say exactly which floor and apartment you’re on and what help you need.
- If you have a service animal, pack its kit too: shelters must accept it.
If you have older parents or neighbors
- In heatwaves, cold snaps and power cuts, call or visit daily.
- Fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, especially if they heat with a stove.
- Help them build a medication supply and a kit.
- Leave your phone numbers written large next to their phone.
Recommended equipment
What to look for when buying. Links go to partner shops; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Details.
Weekly pill organizer
Helps you keep track and grab your supply in one go.
- Compartments by day and time of day
- Secure lids
Big-button mobile phone with SOS key
Easy to use, with a battery that lasts for days.
- SOS button that calls preset numbers
- Large keys, loud ring
- Battery life of several days
Frequently asked questions
What if I use an oxygen concentrator and the power goes out?
Discuss it in advance with your doctor and equipment supplier: you need backup cylinders, a battery or a suitable power station, and to know which hospital to go to if the outage lasts. Ask your electricity provider whether it keeps a register of customers who depend on medical equipment; many do (in the UK, the Priority Services Register).
How do I evacuate if I live upstairs and can't use stairs?
Don't use elevators in an earthquake or fire. Talk to neighbors and the building manager about who can help and how, and tell the emergency operator exactly which floor and apartment you're on and what help you need. An evacuation chair for stairs can be an option in tall buildings.
My elderly parent lives alone in another city. What can I do from a distance?
Put together a kit and a plan for them, give them a simple phone with key numbers saved, fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and find a trusted neighbor who can drop by in heatwaves, cold snaps or power cuts. Call each other daily during those periods.
Where can I find help if I have no one nearby?
Local social services, faith communities, the Red Cross and other volunteer organizations run programs for isolated older people, and your doctor may know of local services. It's worth making these connections before a crisis, not during one.
Sources and further reading
Preper is for general education and does not replace instructions from your local authorities or advice from a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.