Hurricane Season Isn't Over: Your Senior's Go Bag Checklist (2026 Edition)

Hurricane preparation is about more than buying bottled water and batteries. For an older adult, a safe emergency plan must also account for medications, mobility, communication, personal care, comfort, and the possibility of losing power for several days.

Whether your loved one lives in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, or another Texas community, now is a good time to review their emergency supplies. A well-prepared go bag can reduce stress and help your family act quickly if local officials recommend evacuation.

This checklist is designed for a portable evacuation bag. It should supplement: not replace: a larger supply of food, water, equipment, and household essentials kept at home.

Important: Always follow instructions from local emergency management officials. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency. For non-emergency information and referrals in Texas, call 2-1-1 Texas or 877-541-7905.

Start with Two Emergency Supply Plans

Before packing, create two separate kits:

1. A senior’s go bag: A backpack, rolling bag, or small suitcase that can leave quickly.

2. A home emergency supply kit: Larger supplies for sheltering at home, such as extra water, food, sanitation items, batteries, and household tools.

A useful planning target is to have at least three days of supplies ready for evacuation and additional supplies available at home for a longer outage. The National Institute on Aging’s disaster preparedness guidance recommends customizing emergency supplies around an older adult’s health, mobility, communication, and daily living needs.

Choose a container that your loved one or caregiver can move safely. If the bag is too heavy to carry, use a rolling bag or divide the supplies between two smaller bags.

Senior Go Bag Checklist

1. Medications and Medical Information

Medication planning should be one of the first items on your list. Texas Ready recommends refilling prescriptions and necessary over-the-counter medications before a hurricane when possible.

Pack:

• Prescription medications in their original labeled containers

• A current printed list of all prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements

• Medication names, doses, schedules, and reasons for taking them

• Pharmacy and prescribing provider contact information

• Copies of prescriptions, if available

• Over-the-counter products your loved one uses regularly

• Necessary supplies, such as syringes, test strips, inhalers, or glucose-monitoring equipment

• A cooler and ice packs for medications that require refrigeration: after asking the pharmacist how they should be stored

• A list of medication and food allergies

Ask the doctor or pharmacist how much medication your family should keep available for an emergency. Many preparedness resources recommend maintaining at least a seven- to fourteen-day supply when possible, but the correct amount depends on the medication and the individual’s health plan.

Do not place all medical information in only one location. Keep one copy in the go bag and another with a trusted family member.

2. Mobility, Vision, and Hearing Supplies

A hurricane evacuation can involve unfamiliar buildings, long waits, wet floors, and crowded spaces. Pack the equipment your loved one uses every day, along with basic backup supplies.

Include:

• Cane, walker, wheelchair, or other mobility aid

• Spare walker tips, wheelchair batteries, or essential repair items

• Prescription eyeglasses and a protective case

• Hearing aids and extra batteries

• Dentures, denture case, and denture supplies

• CPAP or other medical equipment, if applicable

• Backup batteries, chargers, or power adapters for essential devices

• A small flashlight that can be reached easily

If your loved one depends on oxygen, dialysis, a ventilator, an electric wheelchair, or another powered device, contact the healthcare provider and equipment company before hurricane conditions develop. Ask about backup equipment, power requirements, and where your loved one should go if electricity is unavailable.

3. Identification and Important Documents

Water can quickly damage paper records, so place documents in a waterproof pouch or sealed plastic bag.

Pack copies of:

• Photo identification

• Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance cards

• Emergency contacts

• Doctor and specialist information

• Current medication list

• Advance directive, medical power of attorney, or DNR documents, if applicable

• Address and phone number of the planned destination

• Preferred hospital information

• Care agency and caregiver contact information

Keep the originals in a secure location unless you are evacuating and need them. You may also want to store encrypted digital copies with a trusted family member.

4. Water, Food, and Personal Comfort

Older adults may be more vulnerable to dehydration, heat, and changes in routine. Pack small, familiar items that are easy to use and do not require much preparation.

Consider adding:

• Bottled water or a refillable water container

• Easy-to-eat, nonperishable snacks

• Special dietary items

• Ready-to-eat nutrition drinks, if recommended

• Manual can opener

• Reusable utensils

• A lightweight blanket or sweater

• Extra socks and comfortable clothing

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

• Rain poncho or compact umbrella

• Small towel

• Favorite comfort item, book, photographs, or music device

Label food with the person’s name and note any food allergies or dietary restrictions. If your loved one has memory loss, familiar objects and clear labels can help reduce confusion in an unfamiliar setting.

5. Hygiene and Personal Care Items

Pack enough personal care supplies to maintain dignity and comfort during an evacuation.

Include:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and denture supplies

• Soap, shampoo, and deodorant

• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes

• Toilet paper and tissues

• Adult briefs or protective undergarments, if needed

• Incontinence wipes and disposal bags

• Feminine hygiene products, if needed

• Moisturizer and lip balm

• Comb or brush

• Disposable gloves

• Face masks

• Small first-aid kit

If your loved one needs assistance with bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, or eating, write those needs down. A simple one-page care summary can help a shelter worker, family member, or temporary caregiver understand how to provide respectful support.

6. Communication and Power

Power outages can make it difficult to charge phones, access electronic medical records, or contact family members. Add:

• Fully charged cell phone

• Portable power bank

• Car charger

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Extra batteries

• Printed emergency contact list

• Whistle

• Small amount of cash in small bills

• Pen and small notebook

Write down an out-of-area contact who can help coordinate family communication. During a disaster, local phone networks may be busy, and text messages may work when calls do not.

Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor reliable sources, including the National Weather Service, Texas Ready hurricane guidance, and local emergency management officials.

Make the Evacuation Plan Before the Storm

A go bag is only useful if everyone knows what happens next. Decide:

• Where your loved one will go

• Who will provide transportation

• Which route avoids flood-prone roads

• Where mobility equipment will be stored in the vehicle

• Which family member will carry medications and documents

• How often everyone will check in

• What to do if the primary caregiver cannot reach the home

If your loved one may need help evacuating because of age, disability, medical needs, or lack of transportation, review the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). Registration does not replace calling 911, and families should confirm current local guidance before a storm.

Never drive or walk through floodwater. Texas Ready emphasizes: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

How Companion Care Can Support Hurricane Readiness

Emergency preparation can be difficult when family caregivers are working, managing children, or living in another city. Companion Care Home Healthcare provides reliable personal care and supportive care services in Texas, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas.

Depending on the personalized care plan, a caregiver may help with:

• Grocery list planning and errands

• Meal preparation

• Medication reminders

• Walking and transferring support

• Bathroom activity support

• Dressing and grooming

• Light housekeeping and clearing walkways

• Social engagement and reassurance

• Communication with the larger healthcare team

Our caregivers can also help families organize daily routines and identify the practical support an older adult may need during a weather emergency. However, home care is not a substitute for emergency response, medical treatment, or evacuation services. If officials issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly and coordinate with the appropriate emergency resources.

You can learn more about personal care services at home and companion care services in Texas.

Review the Go Bag Twice a Year

Set a reminder to check the bag at least twice a year and after any major change in your loved one’s health.

Review:

• Medication expiration dates and prescription changes

• Food and water

• Batteries and chargers

• Clothing sizes

• Medical equipment

• Contact information

• Mobility needs

• Documents and care instructions

A calm, organized plan can make a difficult situation more manageable. Preparing early gives your family time to ask questions, refill medications, and make decisions before the weather becomes dangerous. Most importantly, it helps ensure that your loved one’s health, comfort, and dignity remain part of the plan.