AARP Disaster Resilience and Preparedness Tool Kit

Older adults are disproportionately impacted by disasters, often representing the majority of fatalities.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2034 people age 65 or older will outnumber those under 18 — a first in the nation’s history. That trend has profound implications for emergency management, especially as floods, droughts, tornadoes, heat waves, hurricanes, wildfire flames and smoke, and other weather-related hazards and disruptive events become more common and severe.

The  36-page, information- and image-filled AARP Disaster Resilience and Preparedness Tool Kit can help local leaders (including government staff, aging-services professionals and volunteers) foster a community-wide resilience that bolsters the safety and well-being of all residents.

The guide can also inform older residents, their families and, when needed, caregivers about preparing for the possibility of having to evacuate or shelter in place due to a weather event or other emergency.

By understanding all stages of the disaster life cycle, local leaders can ensure that an “all-ages” lens is effectively integrated into preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts.

By understanding their community’s disaster and emergency response plans and resources, residents can better prepare themselves.