Emergencies and older adults

When emergencies happen, whether a winter storm, power outage, flood, heat wave or even large-scale cyber or infrastructure disruptions, the stakes feel different when they affect our parents or grandparents. In those moments, decisions are made under stressful conditions. Do we shelter in place? Evacuate? Where are my meds? What devices need power? A simple plan in place could be the difference between a controlled response and a chaotic one.

The January 2026 winter storm was a good reminder of this. A cross‑country system pushed into Pennsylvania with widespread moderate to heavy snow, sleet and dangerous cold, bringing significant impacts across the region. For emergency managers, storms like this highlight what we already know: Older adults face risks that aren’t always obvious until the moment things start to unravel.

Challenges

Power dependency remains one of the biggest challenges for our older population. What we consider a “routine” outage can be life-threatening if a patient depends on home oxygen concentrators, ventilators, suction, feeding pumps or refrigerated medications. Do your medical devices have sufficient battery backup to sustain the device during a power interruption?

Communication and cognition also shape outcomes. The CDC’s access and functional needs guidance warns, “People with communication needs may have limited ability to hear announcements, see signs or understand messages.” And cognitive impairment is common. During an evacuation, that can mean wandering risk, inability to follow instructions or distress that escalates behaviors.

Have a plan

So, what does “having a plan” look like in practical terms? The National Institute on Aging puts it bluntly: “Being prepared in advance can literally mean the difference between survival and death.” For older adults and caregivers, a strong plan usually includes:

• A current medication list, including dose, pharmacy, prescriber and at least a 14-day emergency supply when possible. Work with your physician and pharmacy to get extra doses for emergency use
• A device and power plan, including backup batteries, chargers and where to go if electricity is out
• A one-page medical snapshot explaining current diagnoses, allergies, baseline cognition, mobility level and communication needs
• A contact tree and preferred communication method, whether that’s text, calls or printed instructions
• A transport/evacuation plan that accounts for mobility aids and caregiver support

Emergency supply kit

An emergency supply kit for older adults can look different from standard household kits. Essential items may include backup medication, assistive devices such as extra eyeglasses or hearing aid batteries, oxygen tanks, communication aids, identification and contact information for nearest relative or friend.

We encourage families to start these conversations now. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), in partnership with The Salvation Army, has created the Preparing Together workshop; a program designed specifically for older adults and their caregivers to build personalized emergency plans with assistance from trained volunteers. Penn State Health Emergency Management and Business Continuity is working with PEMA to bring this program to our community, with more information coming soon.

For additional resources on emergency preparedness for older adults, visit ready.gov.

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