Staying Safe in Thunderstorms: A Guide for Older Adults and Caregivers
- Elder Love USA
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Thunderstorms can strike suddenly and pose significant risks, especially for older adults who may have mobility challenges, medical needs, or cognitive conditions. Preparing well in advance and knowing how to respond during a thunderstorm can make all the difference in staying safe and minimizing stress.
Understanding the Risks Of Thunderstorms For Older Adults
According to the National Weather Service, lightning kills more than 20 people each year and injures hundreds more, with older adults often at higher risk due to mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.
The American Red Cross stresses that older adults are particularly vulnerable during storms because they may need more time to evacuate, require assistance with daily activities, or rely on caregivers for safety planning.
Thunderstorms can cause power outages, flooding, dangerous winds, falling debris, and even lightning strikes. Older adults and caregivers should be aware that:
Power outages may affect medical devices such as oxygen concentrators or refrigerated medications.
High winds can turn loose outdoor items into projectiles.
Flooding can compromise home safety and mobility.
Anxiety and confusion during storms can increase with age or cognitive impairments.
Safety Tips Before a Thunderstorm
Create an emergency kit and plan.
Stock at least three days’ worth of nonperishable foods and bottled water.
Include all necessary medications and medical supplies in waterproof containers.
Equip the kit with flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio or NOAA weather radio, and a first aid kit.
Store important documents like identification, insurance information, and medical records in a waterproof folder.
Include comfort items or familiar belongings to ease stress, especially for those with cognitive impairments
Caregivers and older adults should discuss what to do if separated, how to reach one another, and where to go if evacuation becomes necessary.
Secure your home.
Trim branches near your house and bring in outdoor furniture to prevent damage during high winds. Secure outdoor furniture, plants, and decorations that could become dangerous in high winds.
Check windows, doors, and roofs and reinforce or seal them if necessary.
Have a generator or battery backup available for essential medical devices if power failures are expected. If you use oxygen machines, powered wheelchairs, or other devices, keep batteries fully charged and talk with your utility company about backup priority service during outages.
Keep cell phones charged; have backup power banks.
Notify local utilities if the older adult depends on electrically-powered medical support to prioritize power restoration.
Keep the home free of clutter to reduce tripping hazards, especially during storms. If older adults need to use the bathroom or move through areas with stairs, provide guidance and support to prevent falls. During power outages, have flashlights readily available in easily accessible places so no one has to walk in the dark.
Also keep an eye on wildfires, since lightning strikes can easily spark new blazes. Stay updated by monitoring active incidents through Cal Fire’s incident map: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
Below are some items you can easily purchase on Amazon to help you and your loved ones prepare for a storm. If you purchase through out links, Elder Love USA earns a small commission.
Anker 25,000mAhPower Bank
A high-capacity 25 000 mAh power bank with three 100 W USB-C ports and dual retractable built-in cables
299 Piece First Aid Kit
A soft-sided nylon case first aid kit packed with essentials from bandages and gloves to a cold compress and aspirin
Hand Crank Radio with LED Flashlight
A hand crank plus USB and solar charging options, built-in flashlight, and a 2 000 mAh power bank
Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm
When a storm begins, move indoors right away and stay there until it has fully passed.
Avoid corded phones, desktop computers, and other equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe to use.
Do not use electrical appliances or anything connected to an outlet, since lightning can travel through wiring.
Stay away from plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets. Do not take showers, wash your hands, or use running water during a lightning storm, as plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Keep clear of windows, doors, and porches, since glass and open structures do not provide protection.
Finally, avoid direct contact with concrete surfaces. Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls, because metal reinforcing bars inside can conduct electricity.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, be cautious. Downed power lines, flooded roads, or storm debris can pose ongoing hazards. Check refrigerated medications to ensure they are still safe to use if the power has been out for more than a few hours. If in doubt, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance. Caregivers should also watch closely for any signs of injury in older adults, both physical and mental. Storms can cause cuts, bruises, or falls but they can also trigger anxiety, confusion, or stress, especially for those living with dementia or chronic health conditions. Offering reassurance, monitoring for symptoms, and seeking medical attention when necessary are important steps in the recovery process.
This article is brought to you by Elder Love USA, a leading nonprofit provider of home care services in Riverside County, CA, San Diego County, CA, San Bernardino County, CA, Orange County, CA, Imperial County, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.
Our mission is to provide compassionate and affordable in-home care for older adults in need.
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