Older Adults Living Alone

• Make a disaster plan today, before a disaster strikes. Consider, If needed, what family members or friends can take you in, in the case of life-changing events.
• Have printed contact lists handy to call family or friends in a time of need. Consider having it laminated and keep it someplace easy to find.
• Know evacuation routes and local emergency shelters. Learn the different roads or freeways to leave your community. 
• Have a paper map. The internet and cell phone services may not be working.
• Keep an emergency kit near you, with petty cash, radio, water, and non-perishable snacks like protein bars to keep your strength up. For more details, see our Disaster Preparedness page with its Interactive List.
• Communicate often with family and friends about your current living conditions and potential challenges you may have during a disaster.
• Keep a small suitcase or bag packed with comfortable clothing, and other essentials to maintain your comfort and health. During a disaster or other emergency, you only have to remember to grab your go-bag.

Neighbors need to help each other to prepare and respond to disasters. Talk to your neighbors about what they might need in an emergency, and if they can help other neighbors.

Do you know:

• Who is at home in your neighborhood that might be available to help you during the day, at night, or on a weekend?
• Who in your neighborhood might need help?

Think of the people you would want to talk to during an emergency? These people might be your family, neighbors, friends, or caregivers. It could also be groups you belong to or volunteer with such as volunteer programs, faith-based or church groups, local Independent Living Centers, local Area Agencies on Aging, and neighborhood groups, etc.

California Department of Aging

Your connection with California’s range of programs, services, and resources for the state’s growing population of older adults, adults with disabilities, residents of long-term care facilities, and family caregivers.

• aging.ca.gov
• aging.ca.gov | Aging Resources
• aging.ca.gov | Emergency Preparedness Guide

• Cal Alerts: Sign Up For Alerts In Your County (CA only).
• Earthquake early warning with MyShake App (Global).
• Identify potential hazards in your area with MyHazards (CA only).
• Wildfire Alerts through Watch Duty App (nation-wide).

• Follow official instructions from local authorities.
• Watch or listen to local news for reports on disasters. Radio and TV stations will share important information through the Emergency Alert System.
• Use your emergency kit as needed.
• Stay indoors or move to designated shelters if instructed.
• Communicate with family members and check on neighbors.
• Use the following apps and online websites to get additional alerts and safety information.
  • Check for alerts and information using the Watch Duty App.
  • Post earthquake information with MyShake app.
  • News.caloes.ca.gov has the latest emergency information.

• Check yourself and others for physical health and mental needs.
• Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas.
• Listen to emergency updates and instructions.
• Inspect your Residence for damage before re-entering.
• Contact loved ones to let them know you are safe.
• If you can do so safely, with your cell phone, video each room of your living space, and the exterior of your residence. This will be helpful when it is time to discuss your insurance damages claim.