Essential Emergency Preparedness Supplies for Elderly Individuals

I have been compiling a list of what I believe are the most essential emergency preparedness supplies for us elderly individuals. Remember, a disaster can happen at any moment, so you need to be ready with your bug-out bag and any extra supplies you will need. Be sure you always have water on hand. You must be able to hydrate!

Medications and Medical Supplies:
- Prescription Medications: Ensure an adequate supply for at least two weeks, stored in original containers with labels intact.
- Medical Equipment: Include devices like
  - insulin pumps,
  - nebulizers,
  - CPAP machines,
  - or any other essential medical equipment.
- First Aid Kit: Stock with
  - a variety of bandages (including adhesive and gauze),
  - antiseptic wipes,
  - hydrogen peroxide or alcohol for cleaning wounds,
  - adhesive tape,
  - scissors,
  - tweezers,
  - thermometer,
  - gloves,
  - and a supply of any prescription medications for first aid purposes (like epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergies).
  - Extra Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: Along with cleaning solution if applicable.
  - Mobility Aids: Ensure
    - wheelchairs,
    - walkers,
    - canes,
    - or other assistive devices are accessible and in good working condition.
Personal Hygiene Items:
- Hand Sanitizer: Use when soap and water are not available.
- Toiletries: Include
  - toothbrush,
  - toothpaste,
  - soap,
  - shampoo,
  - conditioner (if used),
  - deodorant,
  - shaving supplies,
  - and feminine hygiene products as needed.
- Adult Diapers or Incontinence Products: If necessary, ensure an adequate supply for several days.
Non-Perishable Food and Water:
- Non-Perishable Foods:
  - Canned goods such as
    - soups, vegetables, and meats,
  - Dry goods like
    - pasta, rice, cereal, and instant meals (like ready-to-eat canned meals or dehydrated camping meals).
- Snacks: Nutrition bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and peanut butter or other nut butters.
- Special Diet Needs: If the elderly person has dietary restrictions (e.g., low-sodium, gluten-free), ensure the emergency food supply accommodates these needs.
- Bottled Water: Store at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation needs. Consider smaller, single-serve bottles for easier handling.
Emergency Lighting and Communication:
- Flashlight: Include extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight that doesn’t require batteries.
- Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: Tune in to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions.
- Cell Phone with Charger: Keep a fully charged phone and consider a portable power bank for recharging during extended power outages.
Comfort and Warmth:
- Blankets or Sleeping Bags: Provide warmth in case heating is unavailable.
- Warm Clothing: Include layers such as
  - sweaters,
  - jackets,
  - scarves,
  - thermal underwear,
  - socks,
  - and sturdy shoes or boots.
- Comfort Items: Include
  - favorite books,
  - puzzles, games,
  - or other items to provide comfort and pass the time.
Important Documents and Supplies:
- Personal Identification:
  - Copies of identification (ID card, driver’s license, passport),
  - Medicare or Medicaid cards,
  - health insurance information,
  - and contact numbers for doctors and pharmacies.
- Emergency Contact List: Include
  - names,
  - phone numbers,
  - and addresses of family members, caregivers, neighbors, and friends who can provide assistance or information.
  - Medical Information: List any medical conditions, allergies, current medications (with dosages), and a brief medical history.
Safety and Security:
- Whistle: Use to signal for help if needed.
- Multi-Tool: Include a Swiss army knife or multi-tool for minor repairs or adjustments.
- Cash: Have a small amount of cash in small bills for purchasing supplies or paying for services if electronic payment systems are unavailable.
Special Needs:
- Assistive Devices: Ensure canes, walkers, hearing aids, and any other assistive devices are readily accessible and in good working order.
- Special Diet Needs: Consider dietary restrictions or special nutritional needs and include appropriate non-perishable foods.
Pets (if applicable):
- Pet Food and Supplies: Store enough food, water, medications, and pet supplies to last several days.
Personalized Items:
- Include any items specific to the individual’s comfort or health needs that may not be listed above, such as favorite snacks, photos of loved ones, or religious items.

It’s crucial to store these supplies in a waterproof, portable container that is easy to access and transport in case of evacuation. Regularly check and update the supplies to ensure they remain current, and consider preparing multiple emergency kits if the elderly person spends time in different locations (home, vehicle, etc.).

Teri Rehkopf

I’m the daughter of 2 original survivalists who moved from the north to sunny Florida. My mother, along with her parents, bought 30 mostly uncleared acres in 1938. The first home was made of pecky-cypress and built by a house-raising. My mother raised 10,000 chickens. My divorced mother met and married my father in 1948. From pine trees on our property, he hand-built a log cabin. He also built a tarpaper-lined 65’x45′ pool with duck pond overflow. We had an artesian well for our water and powering our hand-built waterwheel for the pool. He built a substantial cantilevered roof workshop with a car pit in the massive cement floor. Since my early teens, I have read a ton of books about survival, prepping, the bomb, an apocalypse, homestead living, and SHTF situations. As an adult, I continue to read sci-fi, survival prepping, and science. I practice a prepper lifestyle albeit a bit modified, read a lot, buy a lot, pack/store a lot of anything survival related. My GoldenSurvivalist.com blog strives to educate individuals on coping with natural and human-caused disasters using article posts about preparing for emergencies.

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