Electricity Emergency Preparedness for Senior Citizens and Their Caretakers

Key points

• Emergency preparation minimizes the impact of natural disasters and power outages. 
• Establishing a support network of family, friends, and local services to contact during emergencies is a key step of an emergency response plan. 
• Gathering medical information, making a 72-hour emergency kit, and creating a communication plan help prepare you for emergencies.

Power outages are typically unexpected and cause challenges for senior citizens and their caretakers. In 2022, there were 119 natural disasters that potentially led to power outages. By being proactive and having a disaster preparedness plan, you can minimize the impact of power outages and emergencies as a senior citizen or a caretaker. This guide can help you understand the risks associated with power outages, and create a personalized emergency response plan. 

The first step in emergency preparedness is to understand potential causes and personal risks.

Potential causes

Consider your location for power outage risks in your area. Natural disasters, like tornadoes, and car or construction accidents are two main causes of power outages. By understanding the risks in your area, you can customize an emergency preparedness plan and ensure you have all the necessary supplies.

For example, if you live in an urban area, you may experience more outages due to construction. Or, if you live in a coastal area, you may experience more outages due to hurricanes and tropical storms. 

Personal risks

Senior citizens are at higher risk of hearing and vision loss, impacting their ability to respond to emergencies. About 25% of adults over age 65 have hearing loss, and 28% of adults over 71 have vision impairment. 

Those with hearing loss may not hear emergency alerts or alarms, and those with vision loss may have difficulty navigating safely in their home or finding essential supplies in an emergency. Consider the following to understand how a power outage may impact you or the senior in your care. 

• Living alone: Seniors living alone may need additional support and should establish a reliable communication plan with neighbors or family. 
• Medical needs: If you rely on specialized equipment, like oxygen machines or ventilators, ensure you have backup power or a backup plan. 
• Mobility: If you use elevators or electric-powered devices for mobility, consider having manual aids like canes or walkers to get around. 
• Vision and Hearing Aids: Have a battery-powered flashlight, large print labels, or other aids to navigate your home and maintain communication. 
• Caregiver dependency: If you rely on a caregiver, ensure you agree on an emergency or disaster preparedness plan and have their contact information available. 

Use the following checklist to prepare for a power outage or other emergency in your area.

Contact family, friends, and neighbors who can help you during a power outage. Create a list of several people in case anyone is unavailable when the outage occurs. Discuss a communication plan with your network, so you know how to contact each other and where to meet if needed. 

Contact your doctor or health care provider and ask for nearby options you can move to for help if you cannot access your primary facility. Make a list of local emergency support such as nearby healthcare facilities, fire departments, or community centers. 

Keep contact information of your personal support network readily available.

Preparing your medical records and information ahead of time provides quick access and helps healthcare providers make informed decisions if needed. 

• Medical records: Collect and organize medical records, such as health insurance details, your doctor’s contact information, and a list of medications with doses and schedules. 
• Medical alert tags: Have medical alert tags or bracelets ready to wear during the emergency. 
• Medical needs: Create a concise list of medical needs, like allergies, medical conditions, and the best way to communicate with you. 

Creating an emergency kit for seniors ensures you have essential supplies to support yourself and your caretakers during power outages or other emergencies. You should include the following in your emergency kit: 

Essentials

• Battery-operated flashlights and lanterns. 
• Non-perishable food and water supplies to last for up to 72 hours
• Warm clothes and blankets

Specific items for senior safety

• Large print labels or Braille for emergency supplies
• Emergency contact list 
• Assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, canes, or walkers

Medical supplies

• Ice or frozen cold packs in a small ice chest for medicine storage
• Extra batteries and power banks for assistive devices
• Clearly labeled medical supplies

Other considerations

• Food, water, and medications for pets
• Store supplies in a container with wheels for easy access and movability
• Plan and prepare your transportation options, in case you need to move to a clinic or hospital for care during the emergency.
• If you have a personal vehicle, keep your gas tank full.
• Review your local emergency management resources for contact information and local advice.

Ensuring medical equipment remains powered during an outage is important for the well-being of those who rely on such devices. Having backup power, such as a generator, is a good option for maintaining medical equipment. Prepare batteries and alternative power sources to sustain your medical equipment/assistive technology for at least 72 hours.

Create a reliable communication plan with your personal support network for power outages and other emergencies. 

• Meeting location: If you cannot contact your support network by phone or other method, determine a meeting location to gather and check in during an emergency. 
• Communication tools: If you can not call your support network, have alternative methods prepared, such as two-way radios, text messaging, or social media. 
• Alternative communication: Prepare hand signals, cards with phrases, pictures, or other ways for your support network or first responders to communicate with you if necessary. 

By understanding the risks, building a support network, and taking necessary precautions, you can be well-prepared and ensure safety for you and your loved ones during emergencies. Regularly update your contact list and emergency plan based on your needs. Being proactive ensures that you are ready for any unexpected situations.

What should I do during emergencies if I live alone?

Contact your personal support network and stay informed on emergency instructions. Prioritize your safety and follow the advice of authorities for evacuation or taking shelter. Regularly check in with your support network and let them know if you need help. 

How can I stay aware of emergencies in my area?

Sign up for local emergency alerts with public safety organizations in your area. Search your local emergency management or law enforcement website and consider using social media for announcements. 

Where can I find free emergency kits for seniors?

Local organizations may offer free first aid kits, but your emergency kit is specific to your needs. For example, if you refrigerate medications, have ice packs prepared to keep your medicine cold. If you have a service animal or pet, you should prepare food, water, and any medicines for them as well. 

What should I do if I rely on medical equipment that requires power?

Ensure you have backup power options like batteries, generators, or portable power banks. Consider informing your utility company about your medical needs for potential priority when restoring power after an outage. 

How can I make my home safer for disaster preparedness?

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit in an easy-to-access location, maintain medical record organization, and maintain contact with your support network. Regularly review and update your emergency plan based on your needs. 

How can I develop an emergency evacuation plan for seniors? 

Start by identifying accessible escape routes in your home based on specific mobile abilities. Consider practicing evacuation plans and discuss transportation options with your support network. 

How can I help elderly neighbors or relatives with emergency preparedness and response plans? 

Offer support in creating emergency plans, ensure they have essential supplies, and help them establish communication networks. Regularly check in on their well-being and assist in updating their emergency plan or supplies as needed.