Plan Now, Stay Safe Later: El Niño Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults & People with Disabilities

The L.A. County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD)  is preparing for what could be one of the most intense storm seasons in decades, with El Niño conditions expected to bring increased risk of heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides. The County of Los Angeles and AD are urging residents, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers, to prepare before  storms   arrive. 

Director Maral Karaccusian emphasizes, “Preparedness is a community effort. By planning ahead, staying informed, and building strong support networks, we can ensure that older adults and people with disabilities are protected and empowered no matter what the season brings.” 

Preparation Tips: 

Staying connected and informed is your first line of defense in case of an emergency. Register for free emergency notifications at Alert.LACounty.gov, bookmark Ready.LACounty.gov for preparedness guides, and keep Emergency.LACounty.gov handy for real-time updates. These resources will keep you up to date on local hazards, evacuation orders, and recovery information.  

Build a personal support network of at least two or three trusted neighbors, friends, or caregivers who can check in, help with evacuation, or provide support if needed. Preparing your home and supplies is equally important. Know if you live near areas prone to flooding, like rivers or canyons, and monitor TV, radio, or official websites for storm warnings. Create both a “go bag” (for evacuation) and a “stay box” (for sheltering in place). 

Older adults and people with disabilities should take extra precautions. If you use medical equipment that depends on electricity, contact your utility provider now to enroll in priority restoration programs and ask about backup battery options. Label all equipment with instructions, keep a backup supply of distilled water for respiratory devices, and store a cooler with ice packs for refrigerated medications. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, include a weather radio with text display and extra hearing aid batteries. If you are blind or have low vision, label supplies with large print or Braille and pack extra sight aids. 

Caregivers should develop a clear emergency and communication plan with the person they support. Identify who can help if you cannot be there, and practice evacuation routes and disaster plans together. Organize important documents, such as Power of Attorney and medical information, in a waterproof container or digital format. If your loved one relies on agency-based home care, ask about their emergency operations plan. 

Additional Tips: 

●Declutter your home’s hallways and exits to prevent falls and ensure quick evacuation routes. 

●If you don’t drive or have mobility challenges, register in advance with local agencies for accessible transportation. 

●Practice your evacuation plan and test any backup equipment before storm season. 

●If you receive Social Security or other benefits, switch to electronic payments for financial security when access to paper versions can be hard to get by. 

●If you have pets, research pet-friendly shelters or arrange for their care outside the flood zone. 

●Familiarize yourself with local evacuation terminology, such as “Evacuation Warning” and “Evacuation Order.” 

●Check in with your insurance provider to see how you can access health care during a disaster such as Medicare.  

Quick Resources: 

●Register: Alert.LACounty.gov 

●Keep Handy: Ready.LACounty.gov 

●Bookmark: Emergency.LACounty.gov 

●California Department of Aging Emergency Preparedness Guide for older adults, individuals with disabilities and people with access and functional needs.  

●Los Angeles County “Stay Safe, Stay in Control” guide with tips and assessment tool for older adults and people with disabilities and mobility limitations.  

●Cal OES MyHazards tool for learning hazard risks in your area.  

Don’t wait for a storm: plan now, stay safe later. Your preparation today can make all the difference this El Niño season.