Monarch Marketing
September 11, 2026
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How to Help Elderly Relatives Prepare for Hurricane Season
Monarch Marketing
Monarch Marketing
Hurricane season can be stressful for anyone, but for older adults, may require a little extra planning. Mobility challenges, medical needs, transportation concerns, or simply living alone can make it harder to respond quickly when severe weather is on its way. Whether an elderly parent, grandparent, neighbor, or loved one lives nearby or hours away, taking time to prepare together can provide confidence and peace of mind when a storm threatens.
Here are some ways to help an older relative get ready for hurricane season.
The best time to discuss hurricane preparedness is before a storm is even in the forecast. Waiting until the last minute can make it more difficult to arrange transportation, gather supplies, or make important decisions.
Talk with your loved one about what they would do if a hurricane were approaching. Make sure everyone understands:
Having a plan in place ahead of time can help reduce confusion and stress during an emergency.
An emergency plan should be easy to understand and accessible. Write down important information rather than relying on your loved one to remember everything during a stressful situation.
Include emergency contacts, family phone numbers, evacuation destinations, transportation arrangements, and information about any special assistance they may need.
If your relative lives alone, consider establishing a regular check-in system with family members, friends, or trusted neighbors. Everyone should be aware of who holds each responsibility in the emergency plan.
For older adults who take prescription medications or rely on medical equipment, hurricane preparation must go beyond food and water.
Encourage your loved one to maintain an adequate supply of necessary medications and keep prescriptions, medical information, and important healthcare contacts together in a waterproof container.
If they use equipment that requires electricity, such as oxygen equipment or certain medical devices, determine what will be needed during a power outage. Discuss backup options with their healthcare provider before hurricane season begins.
Evacuation can be more complicated for an older adult, particularly if they do not drive or have difficulties of walking or traveling independently.
Identify transportation options in advance. This could include a family member, friend, neighbor, community organization, or local emergency transportation service.
If your loved one has mobility limitations or other special needs, research local emergency assistance and special-needs shelter options before a storm develops. Make sure the family understands how and when those resources can be accessed.
Help your relative put together an emergency kit that is easy to access and tailored to their specific needs.
In addition to basic hurricane supplies, consider including:
Store supplies somewhere that is easy for your loved one to reach in the case of emergency and evacuation.
Hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes and personal belongings. Help your loved one organize important documents before hurricane season begins.
Keep copies of insurance information, identification, medical records, financial information, and other important documents in a secure, waterproof location. Digital copies can also provide an additional backup.
Walk through the home with your loved one and look for potential hazards. Secure or remove loose outdoor items, trim branches that could pose a risk, and make sure doors and windows are in good condition.
Inside the home, make sure emergency supplies are easy to reach and pathways remain clear. Older adults may be more vulnerable to falls, so avoid placing boxes, generators, or other hurricane supplies in areas where they could become tripping hazards.
If a generator will be used, make sure your loved one understands that it must always be operated outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
Power outages can last for hours or sometimes days after a major hurricane. Talk through how your loved one will stay comfortable and safe if the electricity goes out.
Consider backup lighting, battery-powered fans, portable chargers, and other necessities. If they depend on electricity for medical equipment, make a specific backup plan with their healthcare provider.
If your relative lives in a high-rise or uses an elevator regularly, remember that a power outage may also affect their ability to leave the building during an evacuation.
During intense storms, phone networks may be busy and information can change quickly. Make sure your loved one knows how they will receive official emergency updates.
Write down important phone numbers and keep them somewhere easy to find. If your relative uses a smartphone, help them make sure it is charged, emergency alerts are enabled, and they know how to contact family members.
Establish a simple family communication plan, such as checking in at specific times or having one designated family member serve as the primary point of contact.
One of the most valuable things you can do is simply stay connected. Before the storm, check that your loved one has everything they need and knows what the plan is. After the storm, check in as soon as it is safe to do so. Be aware that hazards can continue after a hurricane passes. Flooding, downed power lines, debris, contaminated water, and damaged structures can all create additional risks.
Helping an elderly relative prepare for hurricane season isn’t about anticipating every possible scenario. It’s about creating a practical plan that addresses their individual needs before an emergency occurs. A few conversations, a well-stocked emergency kit, and a reliable communication and evacuation plan can make a significant difference. Most importantly, preparing together can help older loved ones feel supported, safe, and ready if severe weather approaches.
Check out more of our homeowner blogs filled with more tips and tricks here. Get in touch with us if you need more information. We’re here to help you soar!