High Risk, Limited Resources, and Often Left Behind
After every major hurricane, the data tells the same tragic story: elderly adults and people with disabilities are disproportionately represented among fatalities. After Katrina, over 71% of deaths in Louisiana were people over the age of 60. After Maria in Puerto Rico, the majority of the estimated 2,975 deaths were among vulnerable populations with inadequate access to power-dependent medical equipment, medications, and emergency services. With the right planning systems in place, this is preventable.
The Special Needs Registry — Use It
Every county in hurricane-prone states maintains a Special Needs Registry — a database of residents who require additional assistance during an emergency. Registration is free, voluntary, and confidential. It tells first responders and emergency managers that you may need additional support for evacuation, utility restoration, or shelter services. Contact your county's Emergency Management office or call 2-1-1 to register. Update your registration annually and whenever your medical situation or address changes.
Power-Dependent Medical Equipment Planning
For many seniors and people with disabilities, power is not a comfort issue — it is a survival issue. CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, motorized wheelchairs, infusion pumps, dialysis equipment, and home ventilators all require continuous power.
Do not wait until a storm is named to contact your medical equipment supplier, dialysis center, or power company about emergency protocols. Those systems are overwhelmed once a storm threatens. Make these calls in May.
| Medical Need | Action Required | When to Act |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen concentrator | Contact supplier for emergency supply plan and backup battery options | May (before season) |
| CPAP/BiPAP | Purchase approved battery backup (ResMed AirMini Power Station, CPAP Battery Plus) | May |
| Dialysis | Contact dialysis center for emergency protocol and backup facility agreement | April–May |
| Power-dependent equipment | Register with utility's Life Support Registry for priority restoration notifications | Before season |
| Motorized wheelchair/scooter | Ensure fully charged before storm watch; pack manual backup if possible | Before any storm watch |
Medications and Medical Records
Medication management is the most common medical emergency in the first days after a hurricane — not injuries. Maintain a minimum 30-day supply of all prescription medications at all times during hurricane season. Ask your doctor in April or May for a 90-day prescription to build your emergency supply. Store a complete medication list with dosage, prescribing doctor, and pharmacy contact information in your go-bag. Keep printed copies of all medical records in a waterproof bag.
Evacuation Planning for People with Disabilities
Research accessible hotels along your evacuation route and call to confirm ground-floor accessible rooms. Note that emergency shelters are required by the ADA to be accessible — confirm specifics with your county. For individuals with cognitive disabilities or dementia, maintain as much routine as possible during evacuation and ensure the individual wears an ID bracelet with name, caregiver contact, and medical condition at all times.
For Caregivers and Family Members
Have an explicit conversation with the person in your care about the storm plan before the season. Identify a backup caregiver in the event you cannot reach them before or after the storm. Exchange contact information with neighbors who can check on the person if you are unreachable. Share a copy of the person's medical information with at least two trusted individuals outside the risk zone.
Use our Prep Checklist Builder to create a customized plan for your household. Sign up for free storm alerts to receive advance warning for your state.