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Emergency Preparedness Guide for Veterans
Six steps to prepare for an emergency
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Veterans Emergency Preparedness Guide
Be ready. Stay connected. Protect your health, benefits and independence.
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Disasters can create unique challenges for veterans, military families and caregivers — especially for those managing service-connected disabilities, medical equipment, medications, mobility needs, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety or other visible and invisible wounds of service. Planning ahead can help veterans and caregivers stay safer, reduce stress and recover more quickly.
1. Build Your Veteran Emergency Kit
Prepare supplies for at least several days and include:
- Water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries and first aid supplie
- Phone chargers, backup battery packs and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- 7-day supply of medications and copies of prescriptions
- VA Health Identification Card, photo ID, insurance cards and emergency contacts
- DD-214, VA benefit letters, disability rating information and medical records
- Hearing aid batteries, glasses, mobility aids, oxygen supplies or medical equipment instructions
- Supplies for pets or service animals, including food, medications and vet records
2. Plan for Health, Mobility and Power Needs
If you rely on medical equipment, refrigerated medicine, oxygen, dialysis, CPAP, mobility devices or home health support, create a backup plan before an emergency. Know what you will do if the power goes out, roads close, transportation is limited or you need to evacuate quickly.
Ask yourself:
- Can I safely stay home without power?
- Do I have backup batteries or charging options?
- How will I refill prescriptions if I cannot reach my pharmacy?
- Who can help if my caregiver is unavailable?
3. Prepare for Invisible Wounds
Disasters can bring loud noises, crowds, sirens, uncertainty and sudden changes in routine. These may increase stress for some veterans, particularly those living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury or other service-related conditions.
Include in your plan:
- Coping strategies that work for you
- Comfort items
- Mental health contacts
- Medication information
- A quiet space or safe room if sheltering in place
- A plan for how caregivers and family members can provide support
4. Create Your “Battle Buddy” Support Network
Do not wait until a disaster to identify who can help. Build a support network of trusted people who understand your needs and know your plan.
Your network may include:
- Family, friends or neighbors
- Veteran Service Organizations
- Faith or community groups
- Health care providers
- Home health aides or backup caregivers
*Share your emergency plan with the people who may need to support you.
5. Make a Communication and Evacuation Plan
Create a written plan in case phones, internet or power are unavailable.
Include:
- Emergency contacts
- Out-of-town contact
- Primary and backup meeting places
- Evacuation routes
- Transportation plan
- Local emergency alert sources
- Social media or email contacts, if helpful
Download trusted emergency apps, including the FEMA App and the American Red Cross Emergency App, for alerts, preparedness information and shelter resources. [fema.gov], [redcross.org] Sign up for alerts for emergencies in your area such as 211 and local emergency management and local Sheriff’s Department.
6. Know Where to Get Help
VA Disaster Support The VA can help veterans maintain access to health care, prescriptions, benefits, housing support and recovery services after a disaster. [ready.gov], [va.gov]
Key Contacts
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
- Text: 838255
- MyVA411: 1-800-698-2411
- VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov or 800-621-3362
Preparedness Is a Mission
Take time now to protect your health, records, benefits, caregiver support and peace of mind. Review your plan regularly — because your needs, medications, support network and risks may change over time.
AARP is committed to supporting veterans, military families and caregivers with trusted resources for caregiving, fraud prevention, health benefits navigation and financial security. Learn more at www.aarp.org/veterans
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