When Disaster Strikes, Elderly Australians Die First — and Most Die Alone at Home
During the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires, 33 people died directly from the fires — the majority were elderly. In the 2022 NSW and QLD floods, thousands of elderly residents were displaced with no evacuation plan. The 2009 Victorian heatwave killed 374 people in one week, 75% aged 75+.
Australians over 65 are five times more likely to die in natural disasters than younger adults. Reduced mobility, hearing loss, cognitive decline, and medication dependency make evacuation harder. Social isolation means no one checks on them. This guide covers emergency preparedness for every major disaster type, essential kit checklists, alert systems, and how daily welfare calls save lives when emergencies hit.
Higher disaster death rate for over-65s compared to younger adults
Of 2009 Victorian heatwave deaths were people aged 75+
Direct deaths in 2019-20 bushfires, majority elderly
Elderly Australians have no written emergency plan
Why the Elderly Are Most Vulnerable in Emergencies
Reduced Mobility
Arthritis, joint replacements, and general frailty make rapid evacuation impossible. Many elderly people cannot walk to the end of their driveway, let alone evacuate on foot. Wheelchairs and walkers are difficult to transport in emergency vehicles.
Hearing and Vision Loss
Emergency sirens, smoke alarms, and weather warnings may not be heard. The Emergency Alert system sends SMS messages — but many elderly Australians don't have mobile phones or don't keep them charged. Battery-powered smoke alarms with expired batteries are common in elderly homes.
Medication Dependency
Insulin requires refrigeration. Oxygen concentrators need electricity. Blood pressure, heart, and pain medications can't be missed for even one day. During evacuations, elderly people often leave without their medications — which can be life-threatening within 24 hours.
Cognitive Decline
Dementia and age-related cognitive decline impair decision-making during high-stress situations. An elderly person with mild cognitive impairment may not understand evacuation warnings, may refuse to leave, or may become dangerously confused in unfamiliar evacuation centres.
Social Isolation
Over 1.5 million Australians aged 65+ live alone. During emergencies, there is no one in the house to help them evacuate, remind them to take medications, or call for help. Neighbours may evacuate without checking. The elderly person may not know the emergency is happening until it's too late.
Financial Barriers
Many elderly Australians on the Age Pension cannot afford to maintain properties (clearing gutters, trimming trees for bushfire defence), replace expired emergency equipment, or fuel a vehicle for evacuation. Some don't have a car at all.
Emergency Kit Checklist for Elderly Australians
Every elderly person living alone should have a grab-and-go emergency kit stored near the front door. Check and update it every 6 months (when clocks change is a good reminder).
Medical Essentials
- ● 7-day supply of all prescription medications (rotate monthly)
- ● Printed medication list with dosages, times, and prescribing doctor
- ● Medical information card: conditions, allergies, blood type, Medicare number
- ● Copies of prescriptions (in case medications are lost)
- ● Spare hearing aid batteries
- ● Spare reading glasses
- ● Basic first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, paracetamol
- ● Incontinence supplies if needed (3-day supply)
Communication & Documents
- ● Fully charged mobile phone + portable charger (charged)
- ● Printed emergency contact list (family, GP, neighbours)
- ● Copies of important documents in waterproof bag: Medicare card, Pension card, driver's licence, insurance policies
- ● Battery-powered or hand-crank AM/FM radio (for ABC emergency broadcasts)
- ● Notepad and pen
- ● Cash ($100–$200 in small notes — ATMs and EFTPOS fail in emergencies)
Survival Basics
- ● 3 litres of water per person per day (minimum 3-day supply = 9L)
- ● Non-perishable food: canned meals, crackers, dried fruit, muesli bars
- ● Manual can opener
- ● Torch with spare batteries (LED lasts longer)
- ● Warm blanket and change of clothing
- ● Sturdy closed-toe shoes (for walking through debris)
- ● Sunscreen and hat
- ● Toilet paper and personal hygiene items
Comfort & Wellbeing
- ● Family photos (for emotional comfort in evacuation centres)
- ● Favourite book or puzzle (evacuation waits can be hours to days)
- ● Walking aid if used (spare walking stick near kit)
- ● Pet supplies if applicable: lead, food, water bowl, medication, carrier
- ● Pillow or cushion (evacuation centre floors are hard)
- ● Earplugs and eye mask (evacuation centres are noisy and bright)
Bushfire Preparedness for Elderly Australians
The CFA and RFS are clear: if you are elderly, frail, or live alone, your bushfire plan must be to leave early. Staying and defending is not an option for people with limited mobility or cognitive impairment.
| Preparation | Details | Who Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Written Bushfire Plan | Decide WHERE you will go (family, friend, evacuation centre). Write it down. Put it on the fridge. | Family, CFA/RFS community engagement |
| Leave Early Trigger | Decide WHEN you will leave (e.g., "I leave when Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or above"). Don't wait for an official warning. | CFA app, ABC radio, family alerts |
| Transport Arranged | If you don't drive, who will pick you up? Have a backup person. Confirm arrangements BEFORE fire season. | Family, neighbours, community transport |
| Defendable Space | Clear gutters of leaves. Remove branches within 10m of house. Mow grass. Store firewood 20m+ from house. | Council green waste, Airtasker, family |
| Smoke Alarm Batteries | Replace batteries annually. Test monthly. Interconnected alarms recommended so all sound together. | Local fire brigade (free home visits) |
| Pet Plan | Pets CANNOT go to most evacuation centres. Arrange alternative accommodation for pets. | RSPCA pet foster, neighbours |
Flood Preparedness for Elderly Australians
The 2022 Lismore floods caught thousands off guard. Many elderly residents had lived in flood-affected areas for decades and assumed "it won't be that bad." Water rose faster than anyone predicted. If your elderly parent lives in a flood-prone area, they need a plan before the rain starts.
Know Your Flood Risk
Check your council's flood mapping. If the property has flooded before, it WILL flood again. Note the 1-in-100-year flood level for your address. If your parent's home is in a flood zone, consider whether they should relocate.
Elevate Essentials
Move important documents, medications, and valuables to the highest point in the house. Install power points at bench height, not floor level. Keep the emergency kit upstairs or on a high shelf.
Never Walk or Drive Through Floodwater
15cm of flowing water can knock an elderly person down. 60cm can float a car. Every year elderly Australians drown in floodwater because they underestimate the current. If there's water on the road, turn around.
Emergency Evacuation Route
Know the highest ground nearest to the house. Know which roads flood first. Have two exit routes — your primary route may be cut off. Keep the car fuelled to at least half a tank during storm season.
Power Outages: A Hidden Killer for the Elderly
Power outages during storms, bushfires, or heatwaves create life-threatening situations for elderly people who depend on electricity for medical equipment, refrigerated medications, or climate control.
| Equipment/Need | Risk Without Power | Backup Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen concentrator | Breathing failure within hours | Portable oxygen cylinders (4-8 hour supply). Register with energy retailer as life support customer for priority reconnection. |
| CPAP machine | Sleep apnoea events, cardiac strain | Battery backup unit (8-12 hour). Some travel CPAPs have internal batteries. |
| Insulin (refrigerated) | Insulin degrades above 30°C within hours | Insulated cooler bag with ice bricks. Insulin can survive 24 hours in a cooler. |
| Electric wheelchair charger | Immobility, no evacuation capability | Keep chair fully charged. Consider manual backup chair for emergencies. |
| Air conditioning (heatwave) | Heat stroke risk within hours | Identify nearest cool public space. Pre-arrange transport to family/friend with power. |
| Heating (winter) | Hypothermia risk overnight | Extra blankets, hot water bottle, gas heater (ventilated). Consider relocating during extended outages. |
| Home phone (cordless) | No communication — cordless phones need power | Keep a corded phone plugged in (works without power on copper line). Mobile phone with charged battery bank. |
| Medical alarm pendant | No alarm capability | Confirm whether your alarm has battery backup (most have 8-24 hours). Mobile phone as backup. |
Life Support Customer Registration
If your elderly parent uses any life-support equipment that requires electricity (oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, ventilators), they can register as a Life Support Customer with their energy retailer. This provides: advance warning of planned outages, priority reconnection during unplanned outages, and protection from disconnection for unpaid bills. Contact your energy retailer directly to register.
Emergency Alert Systems Every Elderly Australian Should Know
| System | How It Works | Elderly-Specific Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Alert (National) | Sends SMS and voice calls to mobile phones in affected areas based on cell tower location | Requires mobile phone to be ON and CHARGED. Many elderly leave phones off or uncharged. Landlines receive voice call version. |
| ABC Emergency Broadcasting | ABC local radio broadcasts warnings 24/7 during emergencies. Most reliable source. | Requires battery-powered AM/FM radio. Include one in emergency kit. ABC frequencies vary by region. |
| CFA/RFS/QFES Apps | Real-time fire maps, warnings, and alerts on smartphones | Requires smartphone with data connection. Many elderly don't have smartphones. Family members should install and monitor on their behalf. |
| Bureau of Meteorology Warnings | Severe weather, flood, and storm warnings via website and app | Same smartphone requirement. Family can set up BOM alerts to notify THEM, then call the elderly parent. |
| Community Alert Sirens | Some rural towns have fire sirens that sound during bushfire emergencies | Hearing loss may prevent elderly from hearing sirens. Some communities are removing sirens (budget cuts). |
| Red Cross RediPlan | Free emergency planning resource from Red Cross. Includes household emergency plan template. | Available in large print. Can be completed with help from Red Cross volunteers. Call 1800 733 276. |
Registering for Community Emergency Support
Several programs exist to ensure vulnerable elderly people are checked on during emergencies. Registering for these is one of the most important things a family member can do.
Vulnerable Persons Register
Many councils maintain a register of vulnerable residents who need assistance during emergencies. Council workers or SES volunteers will physically check on registered residents during disasters. Contact your local council to register.
Red Cross RediPlan
Free emergency planning resource. Red Cross volunteers can visit elderly Australians at home to help them create an emergency plan. Includes laminated emergency contact cards. Call 1800 733 276.
Telecross (Red Cross)
Daily phone call service for people living alone. If the person doesn't answer, Red Cross contacts their nominated emergency contact. Available in most states. Call 1300 885 698.
Life Support Customer Register
For people using electrically-powered medical equipment. Register with your energy retailer for priority reconnection during power outages. Required documentation: medical certificate from GP.
How KindlyCall Daily Calls Help During Emergencies
Most emergency plans fail because there is no one to activate them. An elderly person living alone may have a perfect emergency kit and a written plan, but when smoke fills the valley or water rises, panic and confusion take over. A daily welfare call provides the missing link.
Weather Warning Awareness
During severe weather events, daily calls can ask: "Have you heard there's a storm warning for your area today?" Many elderly people don't check weather apps, watch TV news, or listen to the radio. A phone call ensures they know.
Power Outage Detection
If a call goes unanswered during a known storm or fire event, the system immediately alerts family. If the person answers but sounds confused or mentions the house is dark/hot/cold, that's an instant flag for a power outage affecting medical equipment.
Preparedness Check-Ins
Before extreme weather seasons, daily calls can include gentle prompts: "Do you have enough water at home?" or "Is your emergency kit ready?" Small reminders that prompt action — or prompt family to help.
Evacuation Reminder
During active bushfire warnings, daily calls provide a human-like voice saying: "It's going to be very hot and dangerous tomorrow. Have you talked to your family about your plan?" This triggers action that a text message cannot.
Post-Event Welfare Check
After a storm, flood, or bushfire passes through an area, daily calls check in: "How are you going after the storm? Is everything okay at home? Do you need any help?" Damage and distress often go unreported by isolated elderly people.
No Internet Required
KindlyCall works on any phone — landlines included. No smartphone, no app, no internet needed. During power and internet outages, copper landlines often still work. This makes phone calls the most reliable welfare check for the elderly during disasters.
Key Emergency Contacts
| Service | Phone | When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency (Police/Fire/Ambulance) | 000 | Immediate danger to life or property |
| SES (State Emergency Service) | 132 500 | Flood, storm damage, fallen trees, sandbags |
| HealthDirect | 1800 022 222 | Medical advice during emergencies |
| Red Cross | 1800 733 276 | RediPlan, emergency support, Telecross |
| My Aged Care | 1800 200 422 | Accessing support services after emergencies |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Emotional support and crisis counselling during and after disasters |
| National Bushfire Info Line | 1800 240 667 | Bushfire warnings and information (during fire season) |
| Disaster Recovery Hotline | 1800 018 444 | Financial assistance and support after declared disasters |
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