Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Caregivers

By Family Caregiver Alliance

Floods, earthquakes, tornados, snowstorms . . . wherever you live, there likely exists the potential for a variety of natural disasters that can create an emergency situation. When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s times like these that you’ll be thankful for having prepared for such a situation.

Please use this checklist to organize your emergency preparations. It should be used in conjunction with the Where to Find My Important Papers checklist.

QUESTION	Yes	No	Comments
Do I know the most important disaster issues for the area where I live (earthquakes, floods,etc)?
Do I know how I should respond to a disaster that might strike with little or no warning?
Do I know the recommended evacuation route if there were an evacuation order?
What are my transportation options?
Where is the nearest shelter?
Do I know where the shut off valves to my home are? Do I know how to shut them off? If special tools are needed, do I have them? Do I know where they are?
Do I have an emergency contact person who lives out of the area? Do my relatives or close friends know who this person is?
Do I know my neighbors in case we need to help each other in an emergency?
If I’m receiving home health services, have I discussed emergency procedures with the provider?
If I have special needs, do I have a plan for dealing with them in an emergency? ( Mobility, medical equipment, incontinence supplies, others)
If I live in a senior community, am I familiar with its emergency planning and procedures?

Home Supplies Checklist

Drinking water (3-6 day supply)
Food (3-6 day supply, requires no cooking, high energy)
Flashlight (check batteries regularly)
Portable radio (check batteries regularly)
First aid kit
Spare batteries
Manual can opener
Light sticks
Waterproof matches
Medications
Medications list
Cell phone
Cash
Emergency medical form
Personal hygiene items
Backup prescription glasses
Extra clothes
Rain slicker
Walking shoes
Blankets
Water bottles
Dust masks
Other ____________________________________