Before the Next Storm: A Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Older Adults and Caregivers

Recent severe weather in our area is an important reminder: preparing before a storm is much easier than trying to make decisions when conditions are already worsening.

Especially for older adults and caregivers, a little planning can make a meaningful difference. Hurricane season is a good time to gather supplies, discuss a plan with family or neighbors, and make sure important information is easy to find.

Start With a Simple Plan

Think through what you would do if you needed to stay home without power, leave quickly, or could not reach your usual pharmacy, doctor, or caregiver.

Talk with a trusted family member, friend, neighbor, or caregiver about:

• Who will check in before, during, and after severe weather

• Where you would go if an evacuation is ordered

• How you would get there if you do not drive

• Who can help with pets, medications, mobility equipment, or other daily needs

• How you will stay in contact if phone service is limited

• Write down important phone numbers rather than relying only on your cell phone.

Build a Storm-Ready Supply Kit

Keep supplies in one easy-to-reach location. Your kit should include enough essentials to get through several days without a trip to the store.

COAST clients who receive shelf-stable emergency meals should store those meals safely and reserve them for an emergency, service interruption, or other situation when regular meals may not be available. Keep drinking water available as well.

Consider including:

• Drinking water and additional shelf-stable food

• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio

• A phone charger and portable backup battery

• A first-aid kit

• Personal hygiene items

• Medications and supplies for pets or service animals

• Extra glasses, hearing-aid batteries, and other personal care items

• Cash in small bills, if possible

Remember to check your supplies periodically and replace expired food, batteries, and medications.

Keep Medications and Medical Information Together

Storm preparation is especially important for anyone who takes daily medications or uses medical equipment.

Keep an up-to-date list that includes:

• Prescription medications and dosages

• Doctors’ names and phone numbers

• Pharmacy information

• Medical conditions and allergies

• Insurance cards and identification

• Emergency contacts

Store copies in a waterproof bag or container. It is also helpful to keep a photo of this information on your phone.

If you use oxygen, a wheelchair, a power scooter, refrigerated medication, or other medical equipment, speak with your health care provider or equipment supplier ahead of time about your backup plan during a power outage or evacuation.

Prepare Your Home Early

• Do not wait until a storm is approaching to take care of simple tasks.

• Before severe weather is forecast:

• Charge phones, backup batteries, and mobility devices

• Fill prescriptions as early as allowed

• Bring outdoor furniture, plants, and decorations inside or secure them

• Make sure flashlights are working

• Keep your vehicle fueled, if you have one

• Know where important documents are stored

• Check on neighbors, friends, or family members who may need help preparing

For Caregivers: Make the Plan Together

Caregivers play an important role in helping loved ones prepare, but you do not have to handle everything alone.

Take time to review the plan together. Make sure your loved one knows who will check in, where supplies are located, and what to do if they cannot reach you.

It is also wise to identify a backup person who can help if you are unable to travel or communicate during the storm.

Stay Informed Through Trusted Local Resources

For emergency weather alerts, sign up for St. Tammany’s Alert Telecommunications (STAT) notification system at https://sttammany.gov/STAT.  STAT provides Parish-wide and area-specific alerts to help residents stay informed about severe weather, road closures, emergency conditions, and other important local updates.

Follow trusted local officials and news sources for current information about weather conditions, shelters, sandbag locations, evacuation guidance, and road closures.

After the Storm: Report Damage

If your home is damaged by severe weather, flooding, or another disaster, visit https://damage.la.gov/ to report the damage.

This site allows Louisiana residents to self-report damage to their homes after significant disasters. Reporting damage helps parish, state, and federal officials understand where damage occurred and how severely residents have been affected. This information can help support the broader disaster-assessment process and may assist officials as they evaluate whether additional recovery resources are needed.

Take photos of damage when it is safe to do so, keep receipts for emergency repairs or related expenses, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. 

*Reporting damage through Damage.LA.gov does not replace an insurance claim or an application for FEMA assistance if those resources later become available.

COAST Shelf-Stable Meal Distribution

As part of seasonal emergency preparedness, COAST distributes shelf-stable meals to all Home Delivered Meal clients and Activity Center clients twice each year—once during the summer in preparation for hurricane season and again during the winter.

These meals are intended to help clients have food available if severe weather, power outages, flooded roads, or other conditions temporarily disrupt regular meal delivery or make travel unsafe. Clients should keep the meals in a safe, accessible place and avoid using them unless needed during an emergency or service interruption.

COAST’s summer distribution will take place soon. Clients will receive additional information as plans are finalized. Please make sure COAST has your current phone number and contact information so we can share important service updates when severe weather is expected.

If you receive services from COAST and have questions about your regular services during severe weather, contact COAST as early as possible. Please remember that service schedules may be adjusted when conditions make travel unsafe.

For additional emergency-preparedness guidance, visit Ready.gov.