Elder Angle
Special-needs shelters
Hurricane preparation is the focus of Florida citizens from June to November. Each county has a plan for assisting residents with special needs during disasters, including special-needs shelters.
To be eligible for a special-needs shelter, you must have a special medical condition that does not requiring hospitalization, have a chronic condition requiring assistance, need assistance with activities of daily living and a regular shelter can not meet your needs. If you need assistance with medication, observation by a medical professional, electricity for life-supporting medical equipment, basic nursing care, oxygen therapy, and assistance to evacuate, you should pre-register.
Residents of assisted living facilities, nursing homes and retirement facilities are not eligible for special-needs shelters because these facilities will have their own emergency plans, and will assist their residents with transportation and shelter. People with severe or advanced medical conditions requiring hospitalization cannot be cared for at a special-needs shelter, so prior arrangements should be made with their doctors.
Citizens are encouraged to seek safe shelter with family or friends and use public special-needs shelters as a last resort because space is limited. The supplies to bring to a special-needs shelter include:
- Medication to last 7 days
- Oxygen/oxygen supplies, including O2 concentrator with extension cord
- Special diet foods
- Food or snacks for the first 24 hours
- Bedding (blanket, sheet, pillow)
- Air mattress or cushioned sleeping pad
- Two changes of clothing
- Personal hygiene items (deodorant, toothbrush, incontinence supplies)
- Important papers in a Ziploc bag (insurance papers, credit card, money)
- Plastic bags for soiled items
The individual’s name should be marked on all personal items.
If you or a loved one needs a special-needs shelter, contact your local emergency management office and register now before evacuation is imminent. You can also contact the Elder Helpline to get a listing of the local emergency management offices and to obtain information about the 2008 Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders. The Elder Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-800-262-2243.