Practical Disaster Tips for Older Adults: What to Do for Your Health, Tech, and Shelter If You Can’t Go Home
Disasters don’t affect everyone equally. For older adults, especially those with mobility challenges, chronic health conditions, or limited social support, the stakes are far higher. When a storm, flood, fire, or power outage hits, it’s not just about grabbing medications — it’s about protecting your health, making technology work for you, and knowing where to go if your home becomes unlivable.
At Ground Force Humanitarian Aid (GFHA), we’ve supported thousands of older survivors across more than 30 disaster zones. Here’s what we’ve learned — and what every older adult (and those who care about them) should know.
1. Health: Protecting Your Body, Mind, and Medications
Waterproof What Keeps You Alive
Your medications, health documents, and insurance cards should be stored in waterproof bags or plastic containers. Include a clearly written list of prescription names, doses, and what they’re for — and always bring a few days’ supply in a “go kit.”
Build a Health-Centered Evacuation Bag
Beyond medications, pack:
- Backup eyeglasses or hearing aid batteries
- Compression socks or braces you use daily
- Masks, sanitizer, and extra hygiene items
- A small comfort item (photo, blanket, or prayer beads)
Think about how your body and mind respond to stress — and give yourself what you need to feel grounded.
Choose a Medical Contact and Keep Them Informed
If you become disoriented or unable to speak, someone should be ready to advocate for your health. Choose a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member and share your needs — including allergies and communication preferences.
Plan for Equipment Interruption
Use a wheelchair? Portable oxygen? CPAP? These devices need power and space. Label them clearly with your name and instructions. GFHA’s Community Caretaking teams have helped countless survivors retrieve and repair lost or damaged assistive equipment.
Mental Health Is Health
Disasters are traumatic. If you feel lost, afraid, or emotionally overwhelmed, you are not alone. Seek calm spaces in shelters, ask for trauma-informed support, and accept help. Recovery is not just physical — it’s emotional, too.
2. Technology: Use It Wisely When Every Second Counts
Keep Your Phone Ready
- Charge it every night.
- Carry a power bank (portable charger) and keep it topped off.
- Use Airplane Mode when you don’t need connection to conserve battery.
- Text instead of calling if the signal is weak.
Share Your Location with Someone You Trust
Enable GPS sharing with a trusted contact. If disaster hits and you can’t speak or move, rescuers will have a much better chance of finding you.
Learn to Use Voice-to-Text
Typing is tough in crisis. Practice using your voice to send texts or leave voice messages. It’s faster and safer, especially if you have arthritis, vision issues, or cognitive decline.
Print Out Important Info
Phones die. Wi-Fi goes down. Keep printed copies of:
- Emergency contacts
- Insurance cards and ID
- Medication and allergy list
- A recent photo of yourself
GFHA teams have often found survivors without ID, leading to delays in aid and care. A printed copy can be a lifesaver.
Beware of Scams
After disasters, fraud runs rampant — especially targeting older adults. Don’t click unfamiliar links or give your information to anyone not clearly identified. GFHA’s disaster response hubs work directly with verified agencies to prevent exploitation.
3. If You Can’t Go Home: Sheltering Smart and Staying Safe
Know Your Shelter Options
Not all shelters are equipped for people with mobility aids, sensory sensitivities, or chronic health needs. Contact local aging agencies or GFHA for a list of accessible, elder-friendly locations before disaster strikes.
Pack for the Long Haul
If you’re displaced, you may not return home for days or even weeks. Include in your emergency kit:
- 3–5 days of medications
- Slippers or sturdy shoes
- Labeled chargers
- Hygiene items and a soft blanket
- A flashlight with tactile buttons
Request a Quiet Space
Shelters can be overwhelming — especially if you’re hard of hearing, neurodivergent, or anxious. Bring noise-canceling headphones or earplugs and ask for a corner spot. GFHA’s SAFE Camp model creates low-stimulation, dignity-centered spaces for older evacuees.
Don’t Disappear from the System
Let someone post your name and location on Red Cross Safe & Well or a GFHA digital command post. Survivors who remain “off the radar” often miss out on recovery resources.
Ask for Help to Rebuild
You don’t have to do recovery alone. Organizations like GFHA specialize in home cleanup, re-supplying critical items, and applying for FEMA or aid. Write down contact info for disaster resource teams now — your future self may not have time to look it up.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve More Than Survival
Older adults are too often the last to receive aid and the first to be forgotten when disaster hits. But at GFHA, we believe you deserve more than just survival — you deserve dignity, support, and a community ready to act.
Through programs like Community Caretaking, SAFE Camp, and our Remote Data Teams, we make sure vulnerable neighbors aren’t left behind. Whether you’re preparing for a storm or rebuilding your life after one, we’re with you.
➡️ To learn more about GFHA or to get involved, visit stability.org or follow us on Facebook.
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