Experts and Aid Groups Recommend 19 Emergency Items to Help Older Adults During Disasters

Emergency-preparedness experts and aid organizations have identified 19 items that can improve safety and resilience for older adults during natural disasters, extreme weather events and other emergencies.

HuffPost compiled the list after reviewing guidance from global aid sites and interviewing safety experts, emergency-coordination officials and seismologists. The items are intended to address common risks for older people — including power loss, limited mobility, contaminated water and interrupted communication — and range from heating and lighting to water filtration, food and vehicle safety tools.

Several items focus on maintaining warmth and light when the power goes out. An indoor-safe propane radiant heater with automatic shutoff sensors can heat small spaces for hours and includes safety features that cut power if the unit tips or oxygen levels fall. Long-burning liquid-oil candles and lightweight, collapsible LED lamps that recharge by solar or USB can provide illumination without open flames or prolonged battery use. Battery-operated LED headlamps are recommended for hands-free lighting during nighttime movements around a home.

Communication and information tools made the list given the frequency of cellphone and grid disruptions. A NOAA-certified hand-crank and battery-powered emergency radio can receive official advisories when cellular service or power fails; many models include USB charging ports to top up phones, an LED lamp and a loud SOS alarm. Solar-powered charging banks and multi-port power banks that also act as flashlights can keep phones and medical devices powered when electrical outlets are unavailable.

Water and food preparedness is a major emphasis. Charlotte Fadipe of the California Earthquake Authority previously told HuffPost that households should ideally stock at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person and pet. Ready-to-eat nonperishable meal kits that require only hot or cold water can conserve storage space and reduce preparation demands. For water safety, Riccardo Zennaro, coordinator for the U.N.'s Global Wastewater Initiative, advised using passive gravity-fed water filtration systems after floods, when municipal supplies can be contaminated by sewage or chemicals; these systems require no electricity and use multi-stage filters to reduce impurities.

Experts also recommend stocking a variety of battery sizes and portable power tools. An assorted battery pack that includes AA, AAA and 9-volt batteries supports flashlights, radios and headlamps during extended outages. A solar- or USB-rechargeable lighter and a windproof butane stove permit safe cooking and boiling of water when stoves are inoperable.

Roadside and vehicle safety items were highlighted for situations in which older adults may be stranded or need to evacuate. A compact jump starter that can revive a car battery and power USB devices replaces dependence on roadside assistance, while emergency seat belt cutters and window hammers can assist escape from a vehicle after a crash. Mechanics consulted in HuffPost reporting suggested keeping a digital tire-pressure gauge to check inflation monthly and anti-skid traction straps to help free a vehicle stuck in snow or mud.

A selection of small tools and signaling devices adds resilience during a range of scenarios. Seismologist Peggy Hellweg recommended multi-tools that combine pliers, scissors, screwdrivers and blades to enable household repairs and quick fixes. Wilderness educator Donald Dust recommended lightweight aluminum emergency whistles for attracting attention over long distances. Other commonly suggested items include a tactical flashlight with zoom capability and high lumen output, a rechargeable waterproof lighter, and a compact hand-crank radio.

Storage and maintenance practices are part of preparedness. Experts advise keeping supplies in an accessible, grab-and-go bag inside the home and a smaller kit in the car. Perishable components should be rotated according to manufacturer dates; rechargeable batteries and power banks need regular recharging and function checks. For planned evacuations, having both a car kit and a home kit tailored to mobility needs can reduce delays and confusion.

Officials also underscore the importance of pairing physical supplies with situational planning: identify evacuation routes, ensure emergency contacts are current, and make sure local first responders and neighbors know about mobility or medical needs. California emergency coordinators and seismologists who spoke with HuffPost emphasized that preparedness items are most effective when they are part of a broader plan that includes medication management, medical information, and clear communication strategies.

HuffPost's list is intended as a practical starting point for families and caregivers preparing older relatives for emergencies. While individual needs vary, the items recommended by aid groups and experts aim to reduce immediate safety hazards, maintain lines of communication and provide essential sustenance during the critical first days after a disaster.

Consumers should verify product specifications and safety ratings — for example, ensuring indoor heating devices are designed for enclosed spaces and that fuel-based stoves are used only with proper ventilation. Regular review of kits, clear labeling of supplies, and practice drills with older family members or caregivers can improve the likelihood that supplies will be used effectively when they are most needed.