Hurricane season in the United States falls between June 1 and November 30. Do you have an emergency readiness plan for your elderly friends and family? With dangerous and destructive hurricanes possible, having a plan is a priority. If you’re lucky, you’ll never have to use it but you’ll be ready if you do.

Step 1 – Community Basics

Begin by learning what risks affect your community. Community emergency plans should be easy to find. Search online or ask someone at the library, city hall, or local fire department. Be able to answer these questions:

• If there is an evacuation order, what is the recommended route from where you live? If you don’t drive, how will you find transportation?
• If local phone service is down, who is your out-of-area emergency contact?
• Do your neighbors know if you have any special needs?

Step 2 – Emergency Supplies

Supplies are split into two categories – “stay at home” supplies and “evacuation” supplies. If you are forced to remain at home during a hurricane, have enough supplies for a week or more. Supplies for an evacuation should be pre-packed, useful, and contain many of the same supplies you’d use if staying in your home.

“Stay at home” items:

“Evacuation” items:

Note: This does not serve as a complete listing. Modify these lists as necessary.

Step 3 – Plan for Your Needs

Having a plan for an emergency that takes your special needs into account is essential.

• If using an electric wheelchair or scooter, keep your old model around for emergency use.
• If you need electricity for medical devices like home dialysis, find out your options for temporary emergency power.
• For seniors living in a retirement or assisted living facility, learn what is expected of you from the facility. How can you stay informed and follow their emergency plan?
• Check out Red Cross and FEMA for additional advice on meeting special needs and preparing for a disaster.