Tips for Senior Citizens

Check for Hazards in the Home

During and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire is a home hazard. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or overhead lights that could fall in an earthquake or a flood and block an escape path.

Be Ready to Evacuate

Have a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or friends for assistance, if necessary). Also, plan two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.

Planning for Evacuation

People with disabilities have the same choices as other community residents about whether to evacuate their homes and where to go when an emergency threatens.  Listen to the advice of local officials to decide whether it is better to leave the area, stay with a friend or go to a public shelter. Each of these decisions requires planning and preparation.  If you need a wheelchair, show friends how to operate your wheelchair so they can move you if necessary. Make sure your friends know the size of your wheelchair in case it has to be transported.

Create an Emergency Supply Kit

Keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand sufficient to meet your needs for a week. If you stay at home during the disaster, these supplies could help you live through the period of emergency without hardship. If you must evacuate your home and move temporarily to another location, your emergency supplies could be taken with you. 

Self-Help

Create a self-help network of relatives, friends, or co-workers to assist in an emergency

If you think you may need assistance in a disaster, discuss any disabilities with relatives, friends, and co-workers and ask for their help. For example, if you need help moving or require special arrangements to receive emergency messages, make a plan with friends. Make sure they know where you keep emergency supplies. Give a key to a neighbor or friend who may be able to assist you in a disaster.

For Seniors with Disabilities

Wearing medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability may help in case of an emergency. Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment. If you have a severe speech, language, or hearing disability:

• If you have a service dog, be aware that the dog may become confused or disoriented in an emergency. Store extra food, water and supplies for your dog.
• Keep a flashlight handy to signal whereabouts to other people and for illumination to aid in communication.
• Remind friends that you cannot completely hear warnings or emergency instructions. Ask them to be your source of emergency information as it comes over their radio.
• Store a writing pad and pencils to communicate with others.
• When you dial 9-1-1, tap space bar to indicate TDD call.