Category: Caregiving
Preparing for Emergencies as a Caregiver
Emergencies are stressful enough without having to figure everything out in the moment.
A caregiver may suddenly need to respond to a fall, a medical problem, a power outage, severe weather, a missing person, a house emergency, or an unexpected trip to the hospital. When that happens, having basic information and supplies ready can make the situation much easier to manage.
You do not need to prepare for every possible disaster. The goal is to think through the emergencies that are most realistic for the person you are supporting, decide what you would do, and make sure important information is easy to find.
Start With the Most Likely Emergencies
Think about the person’s health, home, mobility, and daily routine.
Possible concerns might include:
- Falls
- Sudden illness
- Medication problems
- Power outages
- Severe weather
- Fire
- Getting lost
- Transportation problems
- Caregiver illness
- Hospitalization
Start with the situations that are most likely to affect them.
Know When to Call for Emergency Help
Caregivers should know when a situation may require immediate emergency assistance.
Examples can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Severe bleeding
- Sudden weakness
- Sudden difficulty speaking
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious injury
- Severe allergic reaction
- Signs of stroke
- A major fall with possible injury
If you believe someone is experiencing a medical emergency, contact local emergency services.
Do not delay because you are trying to solve the problem yourself.
Helpful Resources: Browse Emergency Information for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.
Do Not Assume Every Problem Is “Normal”
When someone already has health problems, it can be easy to explain away new symptoms.
For example:
“They’re always tired.”
“They get confused sometimes.”
“They’ve fallen before.”
A sudden or significant change can still be an emergency.
Pay attention to what is different from the person’s usual condition.
Learn the Person’s Baseline
Knowing what is normal for someone can help you recognize when something is wrong.
Pay attention to their usual:
- Alertness
- Speech
- Mobility
- Breathing
- Eating
- Communication
- Behavior
If something changes suddenly, take it seriously.
Keep Emergency Information Ready
Maintain an emergency information sheet with important details such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Emergency contacts
- Healthcare providers
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Important medical conditions
- Insurance information
Keep it easy to find.
Keep the Medication List Current
Medication information can become important during an emergency.
Make sure the list is updated after:
- New prescription
- Dose change
- Medication stopped
- Hospitalization
Include the date it was last updated.
Know Where Important Documents Are
You may need quick access to:
- Insurance information
- Identification
- Healthcare planning documents
- Emergency contact information
Keep originals secure.
Know where they are.
Use copies when appropriate.
Create a Grab-and-Go Bag
For someone who may need an unexpected hospital visit, consider keeping a small bag ready.
It may include:
- Medication list
- Emergency information sheet
- Insurance information
- Phone charger
- Glasses
- Hearing aid supplies
- Comfortable clothing
- Basic toiletries
Keep it somewhere easy to grab.
Do Not Put Irreplaceable Originals in the Bag
Avoid storing original:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Passport
- Legal documents
in an emergency bag.
Use appropriate copies and keep originals secure.
Keep a Phone Charged
A working phone is essential in many emergencies.
Try to keep:
- Phone charged
- Charger accessible
- Portable battery bank available
If the person you support has their own phone, make sure they know how to use emergency calling features.
Consider Emergency Call Features
Depending on the person’s abilities, helpful tools may include:
- Medical alert system
- Smartwatch with emergency calling
- Emergency call button
- Smart speaker
- Voice assistant
Choose technology that the person can actually use.
Test Emergency Devices
Do not simply install an emergency device and assume everything works.
Test:
- Medical alert button
- Smartwatch emergency feature
- Smart speaker
- Landline
- Backup phone
Follow the device provider’s instructions.
Make Emergency Numbers Easy to Find
Keep important phone numbers somewhere visible to appropriate people.
This might include:
- Emergency services
- Primary caregiver
- Backup caregiver
- Healthcare provider
- Pharmacy
- Poison information service when relevant
- Home care agency
Avoid cluttering the list with unnecessary numbers.
Identify a Backup Caregiver
Ask:
What happens if I am unavailable?
Choose someone who can step in if:
- You are sick
- You are delayed
- You are traveling
- You cannot be reached
The backup person should know:
- Basic routine
- Emergency contacts
- Where important information is stored
- What responsibilities they may need to handle
Prepare for Caregiver Emergencies Too
Caregivers can become ill or injured.
Have a plan for what happens if you suddenly cannot provide care.
Write down:
- Who should be called
- What tasks need immediate coverage
- Medication schedule
- Meal routine
- Important appointments
A backup plan protects both of you.
Make a Home Emergency Plan
Think through how the person would respond to:
- Fire
- Power outage
- Flood
- Severe storm
- Extreme heat
- Extreme cold
Consider mobility, medical equipment, communication needs, and transportation.
Plan for Fire
Make sure the home has:
- Working smoke alarms
- Clear exits
- Fire extinguisher where appropriate
Know how the person would leave the home.
If mobility is limited, think through the safest exit plan in advance.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Check alarms according to manufacturer guidance.
Replace batteries or devices as required.
Do not wait until an emergency to discover an alarm is not working.
Keep Exits Clear
Avoid:
- Cluttered hallways
- Blocked doors
- Furniture blocking exits
Someone with mobility difficulties may need extra room to move quickly.
Plan for Power Outages
Power outages can create special problems.
Think about whether the person depends on:
- Medical equipment
- Refrigerated medication
- Electric lift chairs
- Oxygen equipment
- Powered mobility devices
- Heat or air conditioning
Have a plan for what happens if power is unavailable.
Keep Backup Lighting
Have:
- Flashlights
- Battery-powered lanterns
- Extra batteries
- Motion lights
Place them where they are easy to reach.
Avoid relying only on candles, which can create fire risks.
Keep Essential Devices Charged
If severe weather is expected, charge:
- Phone
- Tablet
- Medical devices
- Portable battery banks
Do this before the outage begins when possible.
Plan for Refrigerated Medications
If medication requires refrigeration, ask the pharmacist or healthcare provider how it should be handled during an outage.
Do not guess.
Some medications have specific temperature requirements.
Plan for Medical Equipment
If the person uses electrically powered medical equipment, ask the equipment provider about:
- Backup power
- Battery options
- Emergency procedures
- What to do during an outage
Keep the provider’s contact information easy to find.
Prepare for Severe Weather
Depending on where you live, emergencies may involve:
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Snowstorms
- Flooding
- Extreme heat
- Wildfires
Follow local emergency guidance.
Think specifically about how the person receiving care would be affected.
Keep Basic Emergency Supplies
A basic kit may include:
- Water
- Shelf-stable food
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Phone charger
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Copies of important information
Adjust the kit to the person’s needs.
Include Personal Care Supplies
Depending on the situation, include supplies such as:
- Incontinence products
- Wipes
- Gloves
- Extra clothing
- Toiletries
Choose items the person actually uses.
Include Mobility Supplies
If someone relies on mobility equipment, consider:
- Cane
- Walker
- Wheelchair supplies
- Spare parts
- Portable ramps where appropriate
Know what is needed to safely transport the person.
Plan for Evacuation
Ask:
If we had to leave the home quickly, where would we go?
Possible options might include:
- Family member
- Friend
- Hotel
- Emergency shelter
Consider whether the location can meet the person’s mobility, medical, and accessibility needs.
Know How You Would Get There
Transportation may become difficult during an emergency.
Think about:
- Who can drive
- Accessible transportation
- Backup vehicle
- Community evacuation resources
Do not assume transportation will automatically be available.
Keep the Vehicle Ready
If caregiving relies heavily on driving, try to keep:
- Fuel in the vehicle
- Phone charger
- Basic emergency supplies
- Mobility equipment
This can make unexpected transportation easier.
Know What to Bring During an Evacuation
Prioritize:
- Medication
- Emergency information
- Identification
- Mobility aids
- Medical equipment
- Phone and charger
- Essential personal supplies
You may not have time to pack everything.
Have a Pet Plan
If the person has pets, decide:
- Who will take them
- How they will be transported
- Where food and supplies are kept
- Whether evacuation locations allow pets
Include:
- Leash or carrier
- Food
- Medication
- Veterinarian information
Do not wait until evacuation day to figure this out.
Prepare for Falls
Falls are one of the more common caregiving emergencies.
If someone falls:
- Stay calm.
- Do not rush to pull them up.
- Check for obvious injury.
- Ask where they hurt.
- Get emergency help if the situation appears serious.
If you are unsure whether it is safe to move someone, do not force them up.
Do Not Injure Yourself Lifting Someone
Trying to lift someone from the floor can injure both the caregiver and the person who fell.
If the person cannot safely get up, get appropriate help.
Caregiver back injuries have a remarkable ability to turn one emergency into two.
Learn Safe Transfer Techniques
If you regularly help someone:
- Stand
- Transfer
- Get into a vehicle
- Move between bed and chair
ask an appropriate healthcare professional to show you safe techniques.
Improvised lifting can be dangerous.
Have a Plan for Medication Problems
Know what to do if someone:
- Misses a dose
- Takes an extra dose
- Takes the wrong medication
Do not guess.
Contact the pharmacist, healthcare provider, poison information service, or emergency services as appropriate to the situation.
Keep Medication Secure
If there is a risk of confusion or accidental misuse, consider safer storage.
Options may include:
- Organized pill containers
- Locked medication box
- Automated dispenser
The right choice depends on the person’s needs.
Prepare for Someone Becoming Lost
If someone has significant memory or orientation problems, plan ahead.
Keep:
- Recent photo
- Emergency contacts
- Description
- Relevant medical information
Consider appropriate identification or location tools when suitable.
Keep a Recent Photo
A current photo can be useful if someone becomes missing.
Update it periodically.
Keep a digital copy available to caregivers.
Consider Identification Tools
Depending on the person’s situation, options may include:
- Medical identification bracelet
- Wallet card
- Smartwatch
- Location-enabled device
Choose tools that respect the person’s needs and privacy.
Know Who to Call if Someone Is Missing
If someone vulnerable cannot be located, act quickly.
Contact appropriate local emergency or law-enforcement resources.
Do not spend hours searching alone before asking for help when safety may be at risk.
Prepare for Hospitalization
An unexpected hospital visit can become chaotic.
Have ready:
- Medication list
- Emergency contacts
- Insurance
- Current health information
- Communication needs
Bring appropriate personal items if time allows.
Bring Hearing and Vision Aids
If the person uses:
- Glasses
- Hearing aids
- Communication device
bring them when possible.
Being unable to see or hear properly can increase confusion and make hospital communication much harder.
Label Personal Items
Hospitals and emergency settings can be hectic.
Label items such as:
- Glasses case
- Hearing aid case
- Walker
- Cane
with the person’s name and appropriate contact information when practical.
Take Notes
During an emergency or hospitalization, write down:
- What happened
- Who you spoke with
- Tests
- Medication changes
- Instructions
- Follow-up needs
Stress makes memory unreliable.
A notebook helps.
Ask Questions
If you do not understand something, ask.
You might say:
“What happens next?”
“What should we watch for?”
“Has anything changed with the medication?”
“What follow-up is needed?”
You do not need to pretend to understand medical language.
Keep Family Communication Organized
During an emergency, family members may all want updates.
Choose one person to share information if possible.
This prevents the caregiver from repeating the same update twelve times while also trying to handle the actual emergency.
Use a Group Message Carefully
A family group chat can help distribute updates.
Keep sensitive health information limited to the people who appropriately need it.
Respect the person’s privacy.
Prepare for Extreme Heat
Heat can be especially difficult for people with certain health or mobility needs.
Make sure there is access to:
- Cooling
- Fluids
- Appropriate transportation if the home becomes unsafe
Follow local public health guidance during heat emergencies.
Prepare for Extreme Cold
Cold weather can create risks if heating fails.
Plan for:
- Backup location
- Warm clothing
- Blankets
- Transportation
- Emergency contacts
Do not use unsafe indoor heating methods.
Keep Important Home Systems Maintained
Emergency prevention matters too.
Maintain:
- Heating
- Smoke alarms
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
Small maintenance problems can become emergencies when ignored.
Prepare for Water Problems
Know where the home’s main water shutoff is when appropriate.
Water leaks can create:
- Falls
- Property damage
- Electrical hazards
A caregiver or homeowner should know how to respond safely.
Know Where the Electrical Panel Is
Knowing where the electrical panel is located can be useful.
However, do not attempt electrical repairs unless you know what you are doing.
Use a qualified professional for electrical problems.
Keep a Contractor Contact List
Useful contacts may include:
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Heating service
- Property manager
- Landlord
This can speed up response to household emergencies.
Protect Important Records
Keep important originals in a secure location.
Consider:
- Fire-resistant safe
- Fire-resistant document bag
- Secure digital backup
Make sure an appropriate backup person knows how to access necessary information.
Back Up Digital Information
If all caregiving information is stored on one phone, you have a problem when that phone is lost or damaged.
Back up important:
- Contact lists
- Medication lists
- Emergency information
- Documents
using a secure system.
Review Emergency Plans With the Person
Whenever possible, involve the person receiving care.
Ask:
- Who do you want contacted?
- Where would you want to go?
- Who should care for your pet?
- What helps you feel safe?
The plan should reflect their preferences when possible.
Practice Important Steps
You do not need to stage a full emergency drill every weekend.
But make sure everyone knows:
- Where flashlights are
- Where the emergency information is
- How the medical alert device works
- How to leave the home
- Who to call
Practice can reveal problems before an emergency does.
Revisit the Plan After Changes
Update the emergency plan after:
- New diagnosis
- Hospitalization
- New medication
- Change in mobility
- New medical equipment
- Move
- Change in caregiver
The plan should evolve with the situation.
Review the Plan Before Severe Weather
If significant weather is expected:
- Charge devices.
- Refill necessary supplies.
- Check medication.
- Review transportation.
- Check emergency contacts.
- Confirm backup plans.
Preparation is much easier before stores are empty and the power is already out.
Keep Medication Supplies Reasonable
Do not wait until the last dose to request refills.
Maintain medication according to prescription and pharmacy rules.
Before severe weather or travel disruptions, check whether necessary refills are due.
Know Your Limits
You may not be able to safely manage every emergency yourself.
Get help when you need it.
This might include:
- Emergency services
- Healthcare professionals
- Family
- Home care professionals
- Utility company
- Community emergency resources
Prepared caregiving includes knowing when the situation exceeds what you can safely handle.
A Simple Emergency Plan
Caregiver Emergency Checklist
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common emergency planning mistakes:
- Waiting for an emergency before gathering information.
- Assuming the caregiver will always be available.
- Keeping only one emergency contact.
- Using an outdated medication list.
- Forgetting to plan for medical equipment during a power outage.
- Packing irreplaceable original documents in an emergency bag.
- Failing to test medical alert devices.
- Trying to lift someone after a fall when it is unsafe.
- Forgetting glasses, hearing aids, or communication devices during hospitalization.
- Ignoring pets in evacuation planning.
- Depending on one phone without backup charging.
- Keeping emergency information where nobody else can find it.
- Forgetting transportation needs.
- Creating a plan once and never updating it.
- Believing preparedness means you have to handle every emergency yourself.
Emergency preparation is not about expecting something terrible to happen. It is about removing unnecessary confusion if something does. Know who to call, keep important information current, prepare for the person’s specific health and mobility needs, and make sure there is a backup when you cannot handle something yourself. A little preparation during a calm day can make a difficult day much easier to manage.
Related Guides
- Creating an Emergency Contact & Information List
- Organizing Important Information & Documents
- Creating a Caregiving Plan
- Home Safety for Caregiving
- Preventing Falls at Home
- What to Do After a Hospital Stay
This guide provides general education and does not replace individualized care from a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
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