How to Assist Non-Ambulatory Individuals During Emergencies

KokosEmergencyProducts.com – Because Everyone Deserves Safety

During disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, blackouts, and evacuations, some individuals face far greater challenges than others. Non-ambulatory people — those who cannot walk or have very limited mobility — rely heavily on caregivers, neighbors, and emergency personnel for safe evacuation and survival.

Planning ahead is essential. At KokosEmergencyProducts.com, we believe that preparedness must include the most vulnerable members of our community. Here is how you can prepare, assist, and protect non-ambulatory individuals before, during, and after an emergency.

1. Understand Their Specific Needs

Every non-ambulatory person has unique requirements. Some use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or specialized medical equipment. Others may be bedridden or require frequent medical help.

Before an emergency:

• Know their daily routine and essential needs.

• Understand how they transfer: bed → wheelchair, wheelchair → toilet, etc.

• Identify their medications and medical devices.

• Make a list of all equipment that requires electricity (oxygen machines, lifts, chargers, etc.).

• Keep medical and personal care items easily accessible.

This information will guide every decision you make during a crisis.

2. Create a Customized Emergency Plan

A standard evacuation plan is not enough. For a non-ambulatory person, tailor the plan to include:

• How to evacuate safely (with personal vehicles, wheelchair vans, or ambulance transport).

• Who will assist if caregivers are unavailable.

• Two or more evacuation routes that can accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices.

• Backup transportation options such as:

  • Collapsible wheelchairs

  • Mobility scooters with charged batteries

  • Portable ramps

  • Transfer boards

Add these details to their In Case of Medical Emergency Form, placed in a visible spot (like the refrigerator).

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit Specifically for Them

Alongside standard evacuation supplies, non-ambulatory individuals require specialized items:

• Extra wheelchair batteries

• A manual wheelchair in case powered devices fail

• Transfer straps, gait belts, or slide boards

• Skin-protection items (barrier cream, gloves, wipes)

• Medications with copies of prescriptions

• Portable oxygen (if needed)

• Emergency blankets and cushions

• Non-spill water bottles

• Easy-to-eat shelf-stable food

Having these items ready reduces stress and saves valuable time.

4. Plan for Power Loss

Power outages severely affect non-ambulatory individuals who rely on electric:

• Wheelchairs

• Hospital beds

• Lift devices

• Breathing equipment

• Refrigerated medications

• CPAP or BiPAP machines

Prepare by:

• Having a portable generator or backup battery supply

• Storing extension cords and surge protectors

• Knowing how to manually operate powered medical beds

• Keeping a manual wheelchair or walker accessible

Backup power keeps essential equipment functioning when it matters most.

5. Evacuate Early — Never Wait Until the Last Minute

Evacuation takes longer and requires more coordination for non-ambulatory individuals. Roads may flood, elevators may shut down, and emergency responders may be overwhelmed.

To stay safe:

• Leave when authorities issue the first evacuation recommendation, not the final order.

• Avoid high-traffic evacuation times if possible.

• Ensure mobility equipment is charged, packed, or securely fastened inside the vehicle.

Early evacuation is one of the greatest protections you can provide.

6. Keep Communication Devices Ready

Communication is critical during emergencies. Prepare:

• Fully charged phones and backup battery banks

• Walkie-talkies in case cell towers fail

• A written list of emergency contacts

• Medical information sheets

• Location trackers (for individuals with cognitive impairments)

Staying connected saves lives.

7. After Returning Home — Assess Conditions Carefully

Once it is safe to return:

• Check for structural damage or hazards around the home.

• Ensure the power supply is stable before reconnecting powered equipment.

• Test ramps, elevators, and pathways for safety.

• Clean debris from entryways to ensure wheelchair access.

• Monitor the individual for signs of stress, fatigue, or medical complications.

Post-disaster recovery is especially demanding for non-ambulatory individuals.

Preparedness Protects Everyone

Assisting non-ambulatory individuals requires foresight, compassion, and proper equipment. Whether you are a caregiver, family member, neighbor, or community volunteer, your planning can make the difference between safety and danger.

Browse our selection of emergency supplies, generators, lighting, mobility accessories, and medical preparedness gear at:

👉 KokosEmergencyProducts.com
Your trusted source for preparedness before, during, and after emergencies.