A natural disaster can happen with little warning. If you help arrange in-home care for an aging parent, being ready can make a big difference. This guide gives clear, practical steps you can take now to protect your parent and make decisions faster when a storm, flood, fire, or other emergency arrives.
Make a simple emergency plan
Start with the basics so you and your parent know what to do.
- Know the risks where you live. Is your area prone to floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes? Plan for the hazards that matter most.
- Pick meeting places. Choose one spot near the home and one out-of-town contact who everyone can call if phone lines are busy.
- List phone numbers. Include family, doctors, home-care agency, pharmacy, neighbors, local emergency services, and utility companies.
- Decide who will do what. Assign tasks like grabbing the kit, helping with a wheelchair, or driving the car.
- Practice. Walk through your evacuation route and a quick “get-out” plan from each room.
Keep a printed copy of the plan where your parent can find it easily. Scan it and save a copy in the cloud or on your phone.
Build an emergency kit for your parent
Ready.gov and state emergency offices recommend keeping at least a three-day supply of essentials. Make a kit that fits your parent’s needs.
Must-haves:
- All medications and a list of prescriptions, dosages, and prescribers. Include spare medication bottles or written pharmacy info.
- At least three days of water and nonperishable food. Store one gallon of water per person per day if possible.
- A manual can opener and easy-to-eat food if chewing is hard.
- Copies of important documents: ID, insurance, advance directives, power of attorney, and medical records in a waterproof container.
- Phone charger and a battery pack. Consider a solar charger as a backup.
- Extra glasses, hearing-aid batteries, mobility aids (cane, walker parts), and any medical supplies used daily.
- First-aid kit and basic hygiene items.
- Cash in small bills and coins.
- Warm clothing, blankets, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- A list of medical devices that need power and instructions for use.
Check the kit every six months. Replace expired items and update medication lists.
Register special needs and prepare for power loss
Many older adults rely on devices that need electricity. Plan for outages now.
- Tell your parent’s home-care agency, doctor, and utility company about any life-support equipment. Utilities sometimes have priority programs; ask your local utility for details.
- If oxygen or other critical equipment needs power, speak with the provider about backup options. Do not run generators or fuel-powered devices indoors.
- Learn safe generator use. Place generators well outside, away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator in a garage or enclosed space. Generator exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Know how to get alerts and information
Get official information fast. Set up multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.
- Make sure cell phones will receive Wireless Emergency Alerts from FEMA. You do not need to sign up.
- Download the FEMA app and local emergency apps. Learn how to use NOAA Weather Radio if you can.
- Follow local emergency management on social media and sign up for local alert services.
- Keep a battery radio for times when cell service or internet is down.
- Save the number for 2-1-1. United Way’s 2-1-1 can help you find local services after a disaster.
What to do if you must evacuate
If authorities tell you to evacuate, act quickly and calmly.
- Take the emergency kit, medications, important documents, mobility aids, and medical devices you can carry safely.
- Lock the home and leave a note with contact information for family and caregivers.
- Follow posted evacuation routes. Roads may be closed; don’t take shortcuts through flooded areas.
- If your parent needs help getting out, notify local emergency services early. First responders may be delayed during major events.
If you cannot leave, shelter in the safest part of the home and call for help. Let your out-of-town contact know your location.
Staying safe at home during and after a disaster
If you stay put, take precautions to protect health and safety.
- Avoid floodwater. It can contain sewage, chemicals, and hidden hazards.
- If the tap water may be unsafe, boil water to kill pathogens: bring to a rolling boil for 1 full minute. At high elevations (above one mile), boil for 3 minutes.
- Be careful with cleanup. Wear gloves and a mask when handling debris, and follow guidance from local authorities on disposal.
- Check for hazards like gas leaks, structural damage, and exposed wiring. If you smell gas or see serious damage, leave the home and call 911.
Register “Safe and Well” with the American Red Cross so family can find your parent’s status and location after a major incident.
After the disaster: recovery steps
Take steady steps as things calm down.
- Only return home when officials say it is safe.
- Contact your insurance company to report damage and start a claim.
- Use local resources for help. Call 2-1-1, the Red Cross, or local emergency management for shelters, food, or case management support.
- If you suspect chemical or oil spills, report them to the National Response Center or local authorities.
- Review what worked and what didn’t. Update your plan and kit based on that experience.
Quick checklist for caregivers
- Have at least three days of meds and supplies ready.
- Keep printed medical info and ID in a waterproof container.
- Know the local evacuation routes and shelter policies.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and download the FEMA app.
- Teach neighbors and local caregivers about your parent’s needs.
- Keep emergency contacts and utility numbers handy.
Natural disasters are stressful. Planning ahead clears the clutter so you can focus on care and safety. Start today: make the plan, build the kit, and talk with your parent and care team. Small steps now will make a huge difference when seconds count.
For more guidance and ready-made checklists, see Ready.gov, FEMA, the EPA’s emergency pages, the American Red Cross, and call 2-1-1 for local help.
