Crisis-Ready Society
Foundations

Older adults and people with disabilities

Older people and people with disabilities may rely on medicines, powered equipment or carers that a crisis can interrupt. This page helps build a personal plan, a support network and a kit that covers those needs.

Foundation for every scenario
In the UAEIn Abu Dhabi, people of determination can text 5999 for medical help, according to the UAE government portal.[5]

Prepare

  • Build a support network of family, friends, neighbours and carers who know your needs.[1]
  • Give at least one trusted person a spare key and show them your supplies.[1]
  • Write a personal plan with contacts, medicines, equipment and treatment details.[2]
  • Ask your doctor about keeping a two week supply of medicines and supplies.[3]
  • Plan with your care team for powered equipment such as wheelchairs or oxygen if power fails.[2]
  • Register with your utility suppliers' priority lists where available.[2]
  • Arrange transport in advance if you will need help to evacuate.[1]
  • Ask your clinic or hospital about its emergency plans and backup providers.[1]

Use and maintain

  • Keep your mobile phone with you at all times.[2]
  • Take assistive devices like walkers, wheelchairs and hearing aids with you.[1]
  • Carry a card explaining how responders can communicate with you.[2]
  • Tell emergency staff in advance if you cannot use stairs.[3]
  • Carers who cannot reach someone at risk should call emergency services.[2]

Review and restock

  • Arrange for someone to check on you if telecare alarms lose power or internet.[2]
  • Recharge backup batteries for medical and hearing equipment.[2]
  • Practise your plan with your support network.[1]
  • Update organisations that support you if your details or address change.[2]

Watch

Short how-to videos for this topic are being added to our channel.
Watch Crisis-Ready Society on YouTube

Official sources

  1. Ready.gov (FEMA): Older Adults
  2. UK Government (Prepare): Advice for disabled persons and carers
  3. Get Prepared (Public Safety Canada): Your Emergency Preparedness Guide
  4. Ready.gov (FEMA): Build A Kit
  5. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

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