Prep

Emergency kit for an older adult

A list to go through with an older parent, relative or neighbor, for an outage, a storm or an evacuation. Pick what applies, check things off together, and print a copy for them. Nothing leaves this browser.

What applies to them?

Their emergency kit

Check it again every 6 months.

Medicine and health

Water and food

Light, power and tools

Papers

In a waterproof container they can carry.

Animals

Arrange ahead

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

This list follows Ready.gov's Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults, reworded and grouped, with the extra steps from its older adults page. The water figure is Ready.gov's gallon per person per day. Three days is the CDC's minimum.

The plan matters as much as the kit. Ready.gov puts a support network first: family, friends and caregivers who know the plan, have an extra key, know where the supplies are, and know how to use any lifesaving equipment or give medicine.

Medicare, Medicaid and insurance cards can be hard to replace in a hurry, so the guide lists copies in the kit, along with a complete list of medications and doctors' numbers.

Go through this with them rather than for them. It's their home, and they'll know what they use and where it is.

Common questions

What should older adults have in an emergency kit?

Ready.gov's guide lists water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, batteries, a whistle, copies of Medicare, Medicaid and insurance papers, medicine and medical supplies, a list of medications, and a phone with chargers.

How much medicine should an older adult keep in an emergency kit?

Ready.gov's guide says a few days' worth if possible. Ask their doctor or pharmacist how to keep a spare supply.

What happens to refrigerated medicine in an outage?

Ready.gov says that if the power is out for more than a day, discard medicine that should be refrigerated. The CDC adds that a life-dependent drug may be used until a replacement is available, unless the label says otherwise. Ask their doctor or pharmacist before an outage.

Who should have a key to their home?

Ready.gov says at least one person in their support network should have an extra key, and know where the emergency supplies are.

What if they can't evacuate on their own?

Ready.gov says to arrange transportation in advance, plan how to bring assistive devices, and find out which local shelters accept pets. Not all do.

Sources

Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.

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