Know Your Risk

Climate-related disasters are becoming more common—and more dangerous. Understanding your personal risk is the first step in staying safe and prepared. From heat waves to hurricanes, wildfires to floods, some hazards carry greater risks as we age. Use the tips and tools below to assess the unique risks in your area and take steps to protect yourself and your community.

• ‍Ask questions. A great starting point is to talk with neighbors and community members to learn about past disasters. Do the houses on your street frequently flood? Have wildfires threatened the homes in your neighborhoods?‍
• Look up your neighborhood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides comprehensive information including an interactive map that quantifies the risk of environmental hazards in each country across the nation. Click here to see the map.‍
• Sign up for alerts. Local emergency alert systems send automated phone calls and text messages whenever there is an emergency in your community. To sign up, search online for your county name followed by “emergency alerts.” Click the link, then follow the instructions to sign up.

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Understand Key Hazards

As an adult over aged 60, you maybe at a higher risk for experiencing illness or injury during specific types of climate-related disasters. Knowing what dangers to expect can help keep you safe.

Extreme Heat

As we get older, our bodies don’t manage heat as well as they used to. You may also have a health condition or take medication that makes it harder to stay cool in hot weather. That means extreme heat can be more dangerous for you than it is for younger people—so it’s important to take extra care when temperatures rise.

To stay safe in extreme heat:

• ‍Dress for the heat. Wear light-weight clothing. If you are in danger of overheating, get your clothing damp.‍
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Drink fluids. Drink water or an electrolyte drink is best. Avoid caffeinated beverages if possible. ‍
• Rest in a cool place. Visit a public air-conditioned building such as a shopping mall, library, or movie theater.‍

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Extreme Cold

Cold weather can be especially tough as we age. Our bodies don’t stay warm as easily, and things like slower circulation, less body fat, or a lower metabolism can make us feel the cold more intensely. Some older adults may not even realize when they’re getting too cold, which can be dangerous—so it’s important to bundle up, keep your home warm, and watch for signs that your body needs extra warmth.

To stay safe in extreme cold:

• ‍Heat it up. Keep indoor temperature at 65 degrees or warmer.‍
• Wear extra layers of clothing. Multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing, including a hat, gloves, and scarf, will help to maintain body temperature.‍
• Stay dry. Wet clothing chills the body more quickly.‍
• Warm drinks will help to raise body temperatures.‍
• Look for signs. Signs you may need medical attention include cold, pale, ashy skin; drowsiness; feeling weak; and having problems walking. If you experience these, seek medical attention. 

Severe Storms

Serious storms—including hurricanes, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms—can be especially risky as we get older. Health conditions may worsen during extreme weather, and mobility or stamina challenges can make it hard to evacuate quickly. For some, memory or thinking issues may also make it harder to understand warnings or know what steps to take. Plus, power outages during storms can cut off access to vital things like heating, cooling, and medical equipment. Being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.

To stay safe during severe storms:

• ‍Keep an emergency kit (Link to emergency kit Page) with essential supplies including food, water, and medications.‍
• Sign up for weather alerts.
• Dress appropriately for the conditions.‍
• Plan a safe location to shelter during a storm.‍
• Explore transportation options in case evacuation isrequired.

Flooding  

Flooding can be dangerous as weage. If it’s hard to move quickly, reaching safety in rising water can be areal challenge. Floods also raise the risk of health problems like infections,mosquito-borne illnesses, and breathing issues. They can leave people isolatedif roads are blocked or phones go down, and like storms, floods often causepower outages that shut off essential heating, cooling, and medical equipment.Planning ahead can help keep you safe and connected.

To stay safe during a flood:

• ‍Monitor weather reports.
• Move to higher ground. This could mean the highest level of your home or a designated evacuation location. ‍
• Never walk or drive through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. ‍
• Shut off utilities. If you are able, turn off electricity, gas, and water at the main source. Otherwise, ask for assistance to do so.‍
• Stay in contact with a designated friend or loved one if possible.

Poor Air Quality

Breathing clean air is essential for good health, but it becomes even more important as we age. Our lungs naturally lose strength with age, and breathing in polluted air can worsen chronic conditions like heart or lung disease and diabetes. A weaker immune system also makes it harder to fight off the effects of inhaled pollutants. On days when the air is bad, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your health.

How to stay safe when there is air pollution:

• ‍Regularly check local air quality reports.
• Stay indoors when air quality is bad.‍
• Wear a mask. If you must go out when airquality is poor, wear a well-fitted N95 mask.‍
• Seal your home by closing windows and doors toprevent outdoor air from entering. ‍
• Invest in a HEPA air purifier to filter indoor air and remove fine particles.‍

Wildfires

Wildfires pose serious risks for older adults, especially since smoke can worsen chronic health conditions and lung function declines with age. Limited mobility can also make it difficult to evacuate quickly when a wildfire threatens. To stay safe, it’s important to monitor air quality, stay indoors when possible, use air purifiers, and have an evacuation plan in place.

How to stay safe when there is a wildfire:

• ‍Stay indoors. If possible, stay inside and keep windows and doors closed. ‍
• Use air purifiers. Consider using a HEPA air purifier to filter out smoke particles. ‍
• Monitor air quality reports and evacuation orders. ‍
• Wear a mask. When going outdoors, wear a well-fitted N95 respirator mask. ‍
• Develop an evacuation plan. Work with family members and neighbors to determine how to evacuate safely.

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