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, wildfires, tornadoes, heat waves, hurricanes and other weather-related hazards and disruptive events become more common and severe. A growing body of evidence confirms that older adults are disproportionately impacted during disasters. A key to ensuring that older adults are properly served by disaster preparedness and emergency planning is acknowledging — and addressing — the gaps that exist between local emergency management teams and the organizations and government agencies that work with and on behalf of older community members.  Better integrated disaster planning will help local governments better protect all older residents, whether they are living independently in the community or residing in an assisted living or health care facility.  

The AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit has been created for local leaders, government staff, aging services professionals and community volunteers. It is a companion title to the Guide to Expanding Mitigation: Making the Connection to Older Adults, published by FEMA as a resource for emergency management professionals. 

Download a copy of the AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit

Download a copy of the FEMA Mitigation guide older adults