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Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults

a clipboard with a sheet of paper titled Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Emergencies can be overwhelming, but preparation brings peace of mind. The Community Development Department wants to help guide you through creating a personalized plan, building a seven‑day Go‑Kit, and staying informed through citywide alert systems. You’ll also learn how the Aging Support Services coordinates with city partners to support older adults during disasters.

The Los Angeles Community Development Department is not a medical provider or first responder and does not provide emergency response services. The information provided here is solely for informational purposes.

In the event of an emergency, call 911.

Our Role During Emergencies

When an emergency event happens, the Aging Support Division works behind the scenes to support older adults and community centers. Our goal is to help older adults stay informed, supported, and connected. We:

  • Coordinate with various City Departments and our Multipurpose Senior Centers to facilitate emergency response and recovery

  • Assess how quickly we can restore our Centers’ programs and services

  • Provide information and updates to designated emergency preparedness coordinators
     

Our Key Partners

We work with the City of LA Emergency Management Department and the Department on Disability. These partnerships help ensure older Angelenos receive the support they need before, during, and after a crisis. Services and resources include:

  • Provide and assess existing urgent resources

  • Maintain current community profile inventories

  • Work together to facilitate emergency preparedness efforts, response, and recovery

  • Plan specialized emergency response programs for homebound and frail adults

  • Address identified gaps in services
     

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Preparing now can make a big difference later. Even small steps can make emergencies easier to manage. Emergency planning helps you:

  • Stay safe and protect your life

  • Reduce stress during traumatic events

  • Build a strong support network

  • Set realistic expectations

  • Maintain a sense of control
     

How to Prepare
 

Explore trusted City resources to help you plan:

A Go‑Kit is a small bag you can grab quickly during an emergency. It should be easy to carry and contain enough supplies to support you for at least seven days. Check your Go‑Kit every six months to make sure items are working and not expired.

Visit ready.lacity.gov for tips and downloadable checklists. Recommended items:

  • Water and non‑perishable food
  • At least seven days of medication
  • Copies of important documents stored in re‑sealable plastic bags
  • Emergency contact phone numbers and photos of family and pets
  • Solar blanket, flashlight, and First aid kit
  • Extra eyeglasses and clothing
  • Cash
  • Toilet paper and sanitary supplies
  • Any personal items you rely on
  • Knowledge of your evacuation site or safe location

Local alerts help you receive important information quickly during an emergency. Stay informed by signing up for emergency notifications:

  • NotifyLA - Sign up online at emergency.lacity.gov/notifyla
  • Everbridge Nixle - Text your ZIP code to 888777 to receive text messages from the LA Police Department, the LA County Sheriff's Department, and local fire departments. Get more information and sign up online at everbridge.com/products/nixle/