Older people, disability and medical needs

Build a support network

• Choose family, friends, neighbours and carers who will help. Plan together and write it down.
• Arrange for more than one person to check on you, in case your main helper cannot reach you.
• Agree a backup if phones are down: someone will visit in person.
• Ask about local registers for people who may need help to evacuate, and sign up. If you rely on powered equipment, register with your electricity supplier (for example, the Priority Services Register in the UK).
• Base your plan on your lowest expected level of ability, not your best day.

Medicines and medical information

• Keep a supply of medicines ready. Keep at least 7 days in your grab bag, and aim for about 30 days in total. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how.
• Order repeat prescriptions early so you are less likely to run out.
• Keep an up-to-date written list: conditions, allergies, medicines and doses, doctors.
• Add emergency contacts and medical details to your phone’s Medical ID / ICE feature.

Equipment that needs power

• Make a backup plan for medical devices and for medicines that must stay cold. Learn how to connect and start backup power.
• Keep spare batteries and power banks for devices that can use them.
• Teach helpers how to use your equipment. Label it and attach printed instructions.

Mobility, hearing and vision

• If you use a powered wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair as backup.
• Keep mobility aids, glasses and a torch within reach. Keep spares such as glasses or a walking stick.
• Sign up for official alerts. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have low vision, arrange for someone to pass on warnings if you cannot use TV or radio.
• Medical alarm systems may need a working phone line. Have a mobile phone as backup.

Evacuation and shelter

• Leave early. You may need more time, and support services may stop.
• Plan accessible transport and practise your exit routes, especially if lifts may not work.
• Go to family or friends first if you can. Public shelters may not offer personal care or medical support.
• At a shelter, tell staff about your needs straight away. If you need a carer, bring them with you.

Service and assistance animals

• Pack an emergency kit for your assistance animal, and carry its papers or licence so it can stay with you in a shelter.
• Have a backup carer for the animal in case you cannot look after it.

Dementia

• Shelters can be noisy, crowded and distressing. Staying with family or friends may be better.
• Pack an ID bracelet and headphones to block out noise.
• Avoid playing news in front of someone who may become distressed.

Carers: plan for yourself too

• Do not take it all on alone. Ask others to help.
• Decide who will stand in for you if you are away or separated, and make sure they agree.
• Prepare a handover folder with daily needs, routines and medicines.
• Share your plan with care services and neighbours, and agree a meeting point.