Seniors - NOLA Ready

As a senior or person with medical needs, there are a few extra things to consider in an emergency.

During a hurricane

Sheltering in Place as a senior or person with medical needs

Be prepared for power outages, high heat, and closed businesses. That includes pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
If you need power for medical equipment, create a Smart911 profile and indicate your needs in the medical section.
Read more about sheltering in place.

Evacuating AS A SENIOR OR PERSON WITH MEDICAL NEEDS

Stay with friends or family if you can. Shelters should be the last option for the elderly and people with medical needs.
If you can’t evacuate on your own because of medical needs, you might be eligible to be picked up from your home. Create a Smart911 profile and indicate your needs in the medical section. When evacuation resources are available, City officials will let you know.
Read more about evacuating.

During a boil water advisory

If you have open wounds or a weakened immune system, use boiled water to bathe.
Read more about what to do during a boil water advisory.

During extreme heat

Children under 4, adults over 65, and people who are overweight or ill are especially at risk during extreme heat.
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and what to do to stay cool.

More resources

Emergency info for seniors and people with medical needs

Create a Smart911 profile

Smart911 helps the City know who might need extra help during an emergency, and integrates with the City emergency alert system. Everyone should have a Smart911 profile with details about your household and medical needs. It's especially important to fill out the medical information section if you:

Use life support systems, like oxygen, a respirator, a ventilator, dialysis, a pacemaker, or are insulin dependent
Have trouble walking, moving around, or have a prosthesis
Are blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or have trouble seeing
Have speech, developmental, or mental health disabilities
Use service animals

Create a profile now:

Sign up online or call 3-1-1

If you can’t sign up on your own, a family member, caregiver, or friend can register for you.

Read more about the City alert system and integration with Smart911.

Seniors & People with Medical Needs