Houston care home owner creates emergency kits to help seniors during hurricane evacuations

HOUSTON — A Houston assisted living facility owner has developed specialized emergency kits and identification vests for elderly residents after witnessing the confusion and fear seniors faced during Hurricane Harvey evacuations at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Debora Nixon, owner of Nixon Home Care, created the solution after volunteering during Harvey’s aftermath. 

“We had a section where there were quite a few people that we had there, and we didn’t know where they should be,” Nixon said, recalling the challenges of caring for displaced seniors during the disaster.

Nixon’s system includes bright identification vests that read “I’m a resident of Nixon Assisted Living in Houston. If I get lost, please contact,” along with the facility’s phone number and the individual resident’s name on the front. 

DOWNLOAD: Senior hurricane essentials kit

“In the event that we ever have to evacuate, we grab the kit, we grab the vest, and they’re gone,” Nixon explained.

The emergency kits contain essential items specifically chosen for seniors’ needs, including prescription medications, medical information, identification, insurance cards, and a change of clothes. But Nixon also includes comfort items to help ease the stress of evacuation. “Remember they’re in unfamiliar territory, so you bring this here to have something dear to them,” she said.

The kits also address practical needs often overlooked in emergencies. Along with activities like coloring books to keep seniors occupied, Nixon includes phone chargers. “A lot of times we will grab our cell phone but guess what we forget? The charger,” she noted.

For families with elderly relatives in care facilities, the hurricane season brings unique anxieties. Barbie Hawkins, whose mother lives in an assisted living facility and requires full-time care, described her fears when storms approach. “When you hear the word ‘hurricane,’ that is almost heart-stopping because she can’t walk,” Hawkins said. “She definitely would have to have full assistance.”

After learning about Nixon’s approach, Hawkins plans to enhance her mother’s emergency kit. “I didn’t ever think to even add those things to the kit, but that is something that will definitely be added,” she said. Hawkins will include family photos and her mother’s Bible, explaining that “her devotionals are very important to her.”

Nixon emphasized that small personal touches can make a significant difference during the stress of evacuation. “They say other than sitting there twitting their fingers. So, this was coloring,” she said, describing how activities help seniors cope with the uncertainty of emergency situations.

The initiative highlights the particular vulnerabilities seniors face during natural disasters, when routine disruption and unfamiliar environments can be especially challenging for elderly individuals who may have mobility issues or cognitive concerns.

Nixon recommends preparing a Senior Hurricane Essentials Kit with the following: 

1. Personal Essentials:

• ID and insurance cards (copies)

• Printed emergency contact list (family, facility staff, physician)

• 3–7 day supply of medications, with instructions

• Spare eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, and batteries

• Flashlight with batteries or a rechargeable lantern

• Comfort items (photos, snacks, book, prayer card)

• Change of clothes and undergarments

2. Medical Info Sheet:

• List of allergies, conditions, physician info, treatment preferences

• Advance directives or DNR orders (if applicable)

3. Communication Tools:

• Fully charged phone with emergency numbers saved

• Charger or battery pack

For more tips on how to prepare for Hurricane season click to see our 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Guide.