Emergencies like hurricanes, power outages, snowstorms, or extreme heat can significantly impact seniors living alone. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), older adults are among the most vulnerable during emergencies due to potential mobility issues, chronic conditions, and social isolation.
From subway shutdowns to heat advisories, NYC residents—especially seniors living alone—must stay prepared. For families considering home care in NYC, emergency readiness is part of ensuring long-term safety and peace of mind. Emergency planning helps reduce stress and enables confident decision-making when crises arise.
● Communication Plan: Ensure your loved one has up-to-date contact lists for family members, caregivers, and emergency services. Print several large-font copies and keep them in visible locations.
● Check-in System: Identify supportive people nearby—like a neighbor, home care providers, or building superintendent—who can check in during an emergency. If your loved one receives in-home care in New York City, make sure their caregiver is aware of your family’s emergency plan.
● Prepare for Building-Specific Issues: High-rise buildings can pose unique risks. Make sure your loved one knows the emergency exits and understands what to do if the elevators stop working. Discuss building evacuation procedures with property management.
● Evacuation Readiness: Learn about your loved one’s NYC hurricane evacuation zone and identify the nearest emergency shelter. Choose a safe meeting location for family members.
● Create a Senior Emergency Kit: See below for a checklist tailored to non-medical home care needs.
● Plan for Seasonal Emergencies: Consider how weather-related risks—like power outages during heat waves or mobility issues in snow—might affect your loved one. Make a plan for staying cool in the summer and getting essentials in the winter. We’ll tell you how, below.
● Water and Food: Emergency preparedness experts recommend having enough food and water supplies on hand for three days. You should have 1 gallon of water per person per day and three days’ worth of non-perishable food.
● Medications: A week’s worth of prescriptions, medical equipment, and easy-to-follow instructions.
● Flashlight and Batteries: Essential during power outages.
● Important Documents: Keep insurance, ID, care plans, and emergency contacts in a waterproof folder.
● Cash: In small bills for transit or supplies, if credit and debit cards don’t work.
Each season in New York City brings its own challenges. Planning ahead protects your loved one from avoidable harm and disruptions in care.
Summer Heatwaves
Winter Snowstorms
Coastal Storms and Flooding
Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA), based in the Bronx, provides not only daily in-home care but also peace of mind during emergencies. Our trained caregivers help clients prepare, stay informed, and maintain safety protocols tailored to their health needs.
Looking for a trusted in-home care provider in New York City who prioritizes your loved one’s wellbeing? Contact CHCA to learn more about our services. Contact CHCA today to get started.
Need help navigating home care in NYC? CHCA can guide you through your options with local knowledge and heart-centered care. CHCA can help you put the right resources in place.
Emergencies may be unpredictable, but thoughtful preparation ensures your loved one is protected, calm, and cared for. CHCA brings over 40 years of experience delivering in-home care in NYC, with caregivers who understand the unique needs of seniors in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Westchester.
Schedule a free consultation with CHCA to explore personalized home care services for your loved one.