Emergency Preparedness for Elderly People in the UK

Why Elderly People Are More Vulnerable

This isn't about being patronising. It's about recognising that emergencies hit older people harder for practical, physical reasons:

• Cold is more dangerous — older bodies regulate temperature less effectively. Hypothermia can set in at higher temperatures
• Mobility issues make evacuation harder and increase fall risk in the dark
• Medical equipment may depend on electricity — oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, stairlifts, powered beds
• Isolation means problems go unnoticed longer, especially for those living alone
• Communication can be harder if they're not confident with smartphones or don't have mobile data

If you have elderly parents, grandparents, or neighbours, spending an hour helping them prepare could genuinely save their life.

The Priority Services Register

This is the single most important thing on this page. The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that gives extra support to vulnerable people during emergencies.

Who Can Register

• Anyone over 60
• People with disabilities or chronic illness
• People with visual or hearing impairments
• Those dependent on medical equipment needing electricity
• Households with children under 5

What You Get

• Priority restoration during power cuts
• Advance notice of planned outages
• Proactive contact during extended outages
• Alternative heating or cooking facilities in some cases
• Nominated contact person who'll be informed if there's a problem

How to Register

• Call 105 (power network) or your energy supplier
• Register with your water company separately
• Register with your gas distributor
• You can also register through your energy supplier's website

Help your elderly relative do this. It takes 10 minutes and could make an enormous difference.

The Elderly Emergency Grab Bag

Help them pack a bag that's ready to go. Keep it somewhere accessible — not in the loft or at the back of a cupboard.

Essentials

• Medications — A clear, up-to-date list of all medications, dosages, and the GP's name. Keep a week's supply in the bag
• Medical information — Any conditions, allergies, blood type if known
• Glasses — A spare pair if possible
• Hearing aid batteries — A spare pack
• Dentures — Spare adhesive
• Warm clothing — A hat, gloves, warm socks, and a fleece
• Comfortable shoes — Ones they can walk in, with grip
• Torch — A simple, easy-to-use one with spare batteries
• Phone and charger — And a power bank if they'll use one
• Key contacts list — Written in large, clear print. Include family, GP, pharmacy, neighbours
• Cash — Card machines don't work without power. Keep £20–£50 in small notes
• House keys and car keys — Spare set

Nice to Have

• A familiar blanket or shawl
• Snacks (cereal bars, biscuits)
• Bottled water
• A book or playing cards
• Personal hygiene items

Medical Equipment During Power Cuts

This is a critical area that needs proper planning:

Oxygen Concentrators

• Mains-powered concentrators stop during power cuts
• Have backup portable oxygen cylinders (discuss with their medical team)
• Register with the PSR — they'll prioritise restoration
• Know the emergency number for their oxygen supplier

CPAP Machines (Sleep Apnoea)

• A battery backup for CPAP machines costs £100–£200
• Some CPAP machines can run from a car's 12V socket with an adapter
• In a short power cut, sleeping propped up on pillows is a temporary alternative (discuss with their doctor)

Stairlifts

• Most stairlifts have a battery backup that allows a few trips during a power cut
• Make sure the stairlift is always on charge so the battery is full
• If the battery is dead, they'll need to stay on one floor — plan for this (keep essentials on the ground floor)

Electric Beds and Hoists

• These don't work without power
• Manual overrides exist on some models — check and practice using them
• Have extra pillows to prop the person up manually
• If a hoist is essential, contact their care provider about emergency arrangements

Medication Refrigeration

• Some medications (certain insulins, for example) need refrigeration
• A cool bag with ice packs can maintain temperature for 12–24 hours
• Know which medications are temperature-sensitive and plan accordingly

Our sister site INeedSolar covers emergency backup power systems in detail, including options that automatically switch on during a power cut.

Checking on Elderly Neighbours

You don't have to be related to someone to help them. Knowing your elderly neighbours and checking on them during emergencies saves lives every year.

Build the Relationship Before an Emergency

• Introduce yourself and exchange phone numbers
• Find out if they live alone
• Ask if they have family nearby
• Offer to help with small things — this builds trust

During an Emergency

• Knock on their door to check they're okay
• Ask if they have heating, food, water, and light
• Check if they need medications
• Offer to charge their phone
• Make them a hot drink if you can
• Help them contact family if needed

Signs of Hypothermia

In cold weather, watch for:

• Shivering (though in severe cases, shivering stops)
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Cold, pale skin
• Slow breathing

If you suspect hypothermia, call 999. Warm them gradually — blankets, warm (not hot) drinks, and get them into a warm room if possible.

Heating and Cold Weather

Elderly people are at significantly higher risk from cold:

• The recommended room temperature for elderly people is at least 18°C (21°C if they have health conditions)
• During a boiler breakdown, see our boiler failure guide — but for elderly people, temporary heating is urgent, not optional
• Help them access the Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount
• Check their home for draughts and help with basic draught-proofing

Communication Plan

Set up a simple communication plan:

• Daily check-in — A quick call or text at the same time each day during an emergency
• Backup contact — If you can't reach them, who else can check? A neighbour, another family member
• Landline — Many elderly people rely on landlines. Note that cordless phones don't work in a power cut — a corded phone plugged into the wall socket will (if the phone line is working)
• Written numbers — Large print, stuck to the fridge or by the phone. Include 999, 105, GP, pharmacy, family members

Key Contacts for Elderly Support

Your Checklist for Helping an Elderly Relative

• Registered with Priority Services Register (electricity, gas, water)
• Grab bag packed and accessible
• Medication list up to date
• Spare medication supply in grab bag
• Medical equipment backup plan in place
• Key contacts written in large print by the phone
• Neighbours know them and have your contact number
• Heating plan for boiler breakdown
• Torch and batteries accessible
• Communication plan agreed

Taking an hour to sort this out for someone elderly isn't just helpful — it could be life-saving.