About a year ago we shared an article on the importance of being prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.  We talked about how elders and caregivers of elders were impacted and what their best options were.  We also reminded them that overall, they needed to be prepared regardless and that unfortunately they could only rely on themselves during the worst of times especially when systems break down and no one responds to their plight because everyone was “taking care of their own”

We discussed items that most seniors should have at home in the event of a blackout or disaster and items needed to create a “bug out” bag in the event seniors or elders needed to leave their home.  In this article, we wanted to present another option; – one that is most critical and doable because bugging out may not always be the best option.

Bugging out should only be done in dire circumstances that require elders to leave their homes. The better option is staying or “Bugging In”.  Oftentimes we don’t have the where-with-all or mobility to leave.  In these instances, this article shares how we maintain our safety if we can’t leave and remind us that you don’t have to go anywhere to survive. You just have to be ready where you are.

A. Bugging In

In a world increasingly defined by unpredictable weather, blackouts, and natural disasters, the idea of “bugging in”; i.e., staying home rather than evacuating; has become more relevant than ever. For seniors, elders and caregivers of elders, bugging in is not just a resignation; it may be the safest and most realistic choice, and this choice requires preparation.

While younger, more mobile people might flee a wildfire or escape a hurricane’s path, seniors often face limitations that make evacuating not just difficult, but dangerous. Whether due to mobility, medical needs, or simply the stress of leaving a familiar environment, many elders must stay put. For these individuals, being prepared to “bug in” could be the difference between surviving and suffering or worse.

Let’s explore how bugging in works, why it’s a strong choice for seniors, and how to prepare for different types of disasters while sheltering at home.

B. Why Bugging In Makes Sense for Seniors

Bugging in is the act of sheltering in place during an emergency, using your home as your fortress. For many seniors, it is the only realistic option. Evacuating can require mobility, speed, and stamina. These are qualities that may diminish with age. Chronic illnesses, reliance on medical devices, or cognitive impairments can make evacuation nearly impossible without help.

Seniors also tend to do better psychologically in familiar settings. Being forced to relocate, often to crowded, noisy shelters can trigger confusion, panic, or disorientation, especially for those with dementia or anxiety disorders. Bugging in keeps elders in a space they know, surrounded by their medications, supplies, and the memories that help stabilize them.

C. Types of Disasters and How to Survive Them at Home

1. Blackouts

The Danger: Blackouts can last hours or days. They disrupt refrigeration (medications, food), heat/AC, and medical equipment.

Preparation:

• Use solar generators or battery power banks to run medical devices and charge phones.
• Invest in LED lanterns, crank-powered flashlights, and battery-powered fans or heaters.
• Keep a cooler and ice packs on standby for medication storage.
• Stock up on non-perishable, ready-to-eat meals.

2. Hurricanes

The Danger: Heavy winds, flooding, power loss, and blocked roads.

Preparation:

• Install hurricane shutters or use plywood to board up windows.
• Place important items (meds, food, pet supplies) on elevated shelves in case of flooding.
• Store at least 3–5 days of water per person and pet.
• Have a NOAA emergency weather radio with alerts.
• Keep towels and duct tape to block water seepage from doors.

3. Wildfires

The Danger: Smoke inhalation, fast-moving flames, and poor air quality.

Preparation:

• Use HEPA air purifiers and have N95 masks ready.
• Keep vents and windows sealed with weatherproof tape.
• Have fire extinguishers in key areas.
• Create a “safe room” with wet towels and an air purifier for sheltering indoors.

4. Earthquakes

The Danger: Structural collapse, gas leaks, falling objects.

Preparation:

• Bolt bookshelves, TVs, and heavy furniture to the walls.
• Store a wrench near your gas line to shut it off in case of leaks.
• Use earthquake latches on cabinets to prevent items from falling.
• Keep shoes near the bed to avoid stepping on glass.

5. Winter Storms / Extreme Cold

The Danger: Hypothermia, isolation, frozen pipes.

Preparation:

• Insulate windows with plastic film and door draft blockers.
• Use indoor-safe propane heaters or electric blankets powered by battery backups.
• Store thermal clothing, gloves, hats, and extra blankets.
• Run a trickle of water in faucets to prevent pipe freezing.

D. The Ugly Truth: What Seniors Must Prepare For

Emergencies don’t treat everyone equally. Seniors, especially those who live alone, are often the last to receive help. First responders are overwhelmed. Phone lines go down. In hurricanes like Katrina and Harvey, countless elders died because they were left behind.

Here’s what you must expect:

• Long waits for help. This could be days, not hours.
• You may need to go without medication or oxygen unless you’ve stored it.
• You may need to self-treat minor injuries.
• You may be cold, alone, or frightened, …but you will still need to think clearly.

This is the ugly reality and facing it with preparation turns fear into power.

E. Critical Survival Tools for Seniors

To survive a bug-in situation, these tools can be lifesavers:

1. Power Supplies

• Solar generator (1000W minimum)
• Battery backups (for CPAPs, nebulizers)
• Power banks with USB outlets
• Crank-powered or solar-powered radios

2. Food & Water

• 2-week supply of shelf-stable food (freeze-dried meals, MREs, canned stews)
• Manual can openers
• Nutrition shakes or high-calorie meal bars
• 1 gallon of water per person, per day (minimum 7-day supply)
• Collapsible water containers or rainwater collectors

3. Security Tools

• Deadbolts and window locks
• Doorstop alarms or motion detectors
• Pepper spray (legal in most areas)
• If trained, seniors may store a legal firearm—but for many, non-lethal options are safer

4. Medical Kit

• Extra 30-day supply of meds
• First-aid kit with wound care items, antiseptics, bandages, gauze
• Copy of prescriptions and health records in a waterproof pouch
• Cold packs, heating pads, mobility aids

5. Communication

• Emergency contact list printed and near the phone
• Old-school landline phone (still works during power outages)
• Walkie-talkies for nearby neighbors
• Satellite text messenger (optional)

F. Pets in a Bug-In Scenario

Pets are family and must be considered in every plan.

• Food: 2-week supply of pet food.
• Water: Separate reserve for pets (¼ to ½ gallon per day depending on size).
• Medication: Flea/tick meds, prescriptions.
• Comfort: Toys, blankets, and anxiety wraps.
• Emergency carrier or leash: In case a fast exit becomes necessary.

Keep litter boxes, cleanup bags, and waste management options ready if stuck indoors for days.

G. Mental Preparedness and Community Support

Bugging in isn’t just about stockpiling stuff—it’s about mindset. Panic is the enemy.

• Create routines: Practice a blackout or storm scenario every 3 months.
• Establish contacts: Talk to at least two local neighbors about checking in during emergencies.
• Set alarms: Use clocks or alerts to remind yourself to drink water, take meds, check for updates.
• Faith or purpose: Stay mentally strong with spiritual routines, books, puzzles, or hobbies to avoid despair.
• Educate yourself on how to turn your house into the safest place for you as the best strategic decision even in a complete social collapse.
• Apply the information from subject matter experts and put into action any guidance you receive

Conclusion: Survival Begins with Staying Put

For seniors and elders, bugging in isn’t giving up or resigning to the fact that you can’t leave; it’s about taking control. It’s using wisdom, foresight, and preparation to face emergencies and disasters head-on without being left vulnerable in a shelter or forgotten in a flood zone.

The ability to survive at home with dignity, security, and a plan is the true meaning of resilience. Stock your home. Talk to your family. Make your checklist. In an age of unpredictability, preparedness is your greatest peace of mind.

Remember: You don’t have to go anywhere to survive. You just have to be ready where you are.

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