Plan Ahead, Stay Ahead: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. Because storms can strengthen rapidly, early preparation is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

This is especially true in the Palmetto State. South Carolina’s older adult population is growing at a rapid rate, and by 2030, an estimated 1.8 million residents will be age 60 and older. With hurricane season presenting unpredictable challenges every year, preparing now is more important than ever to ensure safety and peace of mind.

The South Carolina Department on Aging, in partnership with Walgreens and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), champions the Senior P.R.E.P. (Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness) initiative. If you or an older adult in your life are getting storm-ready, here is a comprehensive roadmap to help you plan ahead and stay ahead.

1. Pack a Senior-Specific Emergency Kit

While every basic disaster kit needs food and water, older adults often require specialized items to maintain their health and independence. When packing your emergency kit, make sure it includes these essentials:

• Identification & Documentation: A medical ID bracelet, insurance cards, and prescription cards. Keep paper copies of important documents in a waterproof bag.
• Mobility & Vision Aids: Extra reading glasses, dentures, and your walker, cane, or wheelchair.
• Medical Equipment: Essential medical equipment along with extra batteries or a clear backup power plan for devices that require electricity (like oxygen concentrators).

2. Considerations for Disabilities and Functional Needs

If you or a loved one manages a lifelong disability, chronic illness, or functional limitation, tailored planning is vital:

• Build a Support Network: Coordinate closely with family, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who can step in to assist during an evacuation.
• Give Clear Instructions: Write down concise instructions regarding your specific medical needs or how to operate your equipment and keep them somewhere rescue personnel can easily find them.
• Map It Out: Practice navigating accessible emergency exits at both home and work.
• Service Continuity: Check in advance with any home health agencies or day-to-day service providers you use to see what their special provisions are during a statewide emergency.

3. Don’t Forget Your Pets!

Animals experience high levels of stress during natural disasters and rely entirely on you for safety.

• Evacuate Together: If it is unsafe for you to stay at home, it is unsafe for your pets. Always include them in your evacuation plans.
• Pet Go-Bag: Pack a pet carrier, leash, food, water, bowls, and any necessary medications.
• Medical Records: Keep a physical copy of your pet’s immunization and veterinary records on hand, as many emergency pet shelters require them.

4. Stay Safe from Disaster Scams   

Unfortunately, emergencies can bring out bad actors looking to target vulnerable individuals. Protect your personal information and your wallet with these tips from the SC Department of Consumer Affairs:

• Screen Your Calls: Do not answer calls or reply to text messages from numbers you do not recognize. Block them immediately.
• Protect Personal Info: Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never contact you out of the blue demanding social security numbers or financial details.
• Resist High Pressure: Scammers rely on urgency. If someone pressures you to make a snap financial decision or pay immediately, it is a scam.
• Watch the Payment Method: Be highly suspicious of anyone demanding payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Talk it Out: Before acting on a strange request, stop and discuss the situation with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member.

5. Know Where to Turn for Help

When a storm hits, a coordinated response is critical. Keep these resources handy:

• During a Disaster: The South Carolina Emergency Management Division coordinates statewide relief. You can look up your specific county emergency management office on their site or reference official resources like the SCEMD Hurricane Guide.
• For Day-to-Day Assistance: South Carolina features 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging. If you need standard community services like home-delivered meals, transportation, or in-home care before or after storm season, visit Get Care SC or call 1-800-868-9095.
• Disability Advocacy: For individualized help preparing for a disaster or securing resources as a person living with a disability, connect with Able South Carolina, a disability-led organization focused on peer support and systems change.

For more information and physical planning resources, visit the Senior P.R.E.P. program page or check out the informational materials available at your local Walgreens.