Before the emergency, not during it
If an elderly household member uses a walker, wheelchair, or has limited stair mobility, the evacuation plan must account for this before an event. Identify which exits are accessible, whether stairs are required, and who will assist.
For multi-story buildings without elevators (or during power outages when elevators are down), the seated stair descent is the safest non-professional method: the person sits on each step and scoots down one at a time while a helper stabilizes from below to prevent falls.
The grab-and-go list
Pre-pack a medication bag with at least a 7-day supply of all prescriptions, a written medication list (names, dosages, prescribing doctors), medical device chargers, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, and a copy of insurance cards and Medicare/Medicaid information.
Request early refills when a disaster is forecast. Most pharmacies and insurance plans allow emergency refills.
Professional evacuation assistance
If the person cannot safely descend stairs, has oxygen equipment, or has severe mobility limitations, call 911 for evacuation assistance. Firefighters have stair chairs, evacuation sleds, and training for safe carries. Attempting an improvised carry down stairs puts both the carrier and the person at serious risk of injury.
- Plan stair evacuation before an emergency
- Seated stair descent: sit and scoot, helper stabilizes from below
- Pre-pack 7-day medication supply with written list
- Request early refills when disaster is forecast
- Call 911 for professional evacuation if stairs are unsafe
- Senior Preparedness — FEMA guidance on emergency planning for older adults.