Get Started: Emergency Preparedness

Tips and resources to help older adults and their caregivers adapt to climate hazards

Over the past two decades, the vast majority of Americans who have died or been injured in weather-related disasters have been over the age of 60. Older adults are physically more vulnerable to events like hurricanes, forest fires, and heat waves. Limited mobility may make it more difficult for older adults to evacuate in emergency situations. And older adults with chronic conditions are more reliant on medical devices and caregivers.

Despite the risks, emergency preparedness can help people ages 60 and older stay safe. Click on the categories below to learn more about how to prepare for and cope with disasters.

Assess Your Risk

We offer tools to help you understand your personal risks and the hazards that may affect you.

Prepare for a Disaster

Getting ready for climate-related disasters can help older adults stay safe.

Recover from a Disaster

There are concrete steps you and your loved ones can take to ensure your safety after a disaster.

Older adults are at greater risk

Older adults are disproportionately affected by the health and safety impacts of a changing climate.

Older adults are powerful advocates

Older adults bring wisdom, experience, and a commitment to community that can drive meaningful climate action.

This is an understudied intersection

The intersection of climate and aging is increasingly important but underexplored, requiring greater awareness and research investment.

Emergency Preparedness Tools

Assess Your Needs - Emergency Planning

Contact List for After a Disaster

Emergency Kit Essentials

Learn more

UN Convention to Protect Older Adults

Extreme Weather Leads to Climate Concerns for Older Adults

Swiss Women Win Climate Victory

SAGE Mobilizes Seniors to Give Back