Earthquake Preparedness for Seniors & People with Disabilities
Specialized earthquake preparedness for older adults and those with mobility, medical, or cognitive needs.
Medical Considerations
Medical needs require additional planning layers. Disruptions to pharmacy supply chains, power, and transportation can last days to weeks after a major earthquake.
- •Maintain a minimum 2-week supply of all prescription medications — ask your doctor or pharmacist about emergency fills
- •Keep a complete medication list (name, dosage, prescribing doctor, pharmacy) in your emergency kit and on your phone
- •Medical equipment that requires power (CPAP, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers): contact your power company to register as a medical baseline customer for priority restoration
- •CPAP users: battery backup units (ResMed AirMini with battery pack) provide several nights of operation
- •Insulin and temperature-sensitive medications: store insulated packs and cold packs in your kit; know how long your medication can remain unrefrigerated
- •Medical alert systems: choose models with backup battery (typically 24–48 hours); cellular models continue working if landlines are down
- •Hearing aids: keep a full set of spare batteries in the emergency kit; waterproof carrying cases protect against debris and water damage
Mobility & Evacuation
Evacuation planning must account for the realities of mobility equipment, slower movement, and physical limitations. Plan this in advance — not during an emergency.
- •If using a walker or cane: identify the safest evacuation route from each room and practice it; remove trip hazards that could be dangerous on an unfamiliar path after shaking
- •If using a wheelchair: ensure evacuation routes are accessible (ramps, wide doorways, no stairs); identify a neighbor or building manager who can assist
- •Manual wheelchair backup: power wheelchair users should have a lightweight manual chair for emergency evacuation
- •Register with your local emergency management office as a person who may need evacuation assistance — most counties offer this registry
- •Discuss your needs with neighbors in advance; arrange a mutual check-in system for after a major quake
- •Keep shoes and glasses immediately accessible by the bed — mobility limitations are compounded in the dark without glasses
- •If in a multi-story building: identify the evacuation route that does not require elevators and practice it
Social Support Network
Social connection is one of the most reliable protective factors in disasters. Isolated seniors face significantly higher risk; building a network before an emergency is essential.
- •Identify at least two neighbors who will check on you after a major quake — and who you will check on in return
- •Exchange contact information (cell phone, out-of-state contact) with neighbors before an emergency
- •CERT (Community Emergency Response Team): free training that connects community members who want to help each other in disasters — search cert.fema.gov for local programs
- •Senior centers and faith communities often have informal support networks; let them know your situation and needs
- •If you live alone: set up a daily check-in routine with a family member or friend who can escalate to emergency services if they don't hear from you
- •Local Area Agency on Aging: can connect you with community preparedness programs and resources specific to older adults
Communication Aids
Earthquakes can damage the infrastructure that standard communication depends on. Plan for backup communication methods that work with your specific needs.
- •Hearing aids and extra batteries: store a full set of backup batteries in your emergency kit; many hearing aids use size 312 or 13 batteries
- •Cochlear implant users: keep backup processors and chargers in your kit; know your equipment's battery life
- •Large-print emergency cards: write your name, address, medical conditions, medications, and emergency contacts in large print; laminate and keep in your wallet and kit
- •Communication boards or picture cards: for individuals with cognitive or speech impairments, a simple visual card with needs ("I need water," "I need help," "I am okay") is invaluable when communicating with first responders
- •ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts: program multiple ICE contacts in your phone; also keep a written copy since phone batteries die
- •TTY/video relay users: know your backup communication options if internet and phone lines are down; satellite devices can send text messages globally