SPECIAL NEEDS

Citizens with special medical needs can get help during an evacuation. Pinellas County has partnered with local municipalities to offer sheltering and transportation, if you meet the eligibility requirements. Those with certain medical conditions may be able to stay in special needs shelters.

“Please do not wait until there is a threat of evacuation,” said David MacNamee, a Pinellas County Emergency Management Coordinator. “You may be too late. Register now.” The local fire department and the Department of Health will assess each individual and notify him or her,” MacNamee said.

“We want anyone with special needs to be in the appropriate situation during an emergency. That may mean a special needs shelter, a general shelter, a healthcare facility or staying at home if that is best for an individual.”

Are you eligible for any of the Special Needs and Transportation Programs?

  • Fill out a registration form and send it to either Pinellas County Emergency Management or your local fire rescue department. You may also get the registration form from your home healthcare provider, the Health Department or call your local fire department.
  • Once registered, you will be contacted for more information. After a medical needs review, your eligibility will be assessed. If you don’t qualify for a special needs shelter, other options will be discussed with you. If you are registered and need transportation, your local fire department will contact you before an evacuation.
  • You should register to go to a special needs shelter even if you have your own transportation.
  • You may bring your caregiver and/or family with you to a special needs shelter.
  • You are not obligated to stay in a special needs shelter once registered. You can change your plans if you have made other safe and secure arrangements.
  • Service animals may go with you, but other pets need to be cared for by making prior arrangements. If you are registered and eligible to go to a special needs shelter, call Pinellas County Animal Services at (727) 582-2600 to register your pet. Animal Services will make arrangements for your pet to be taken to a host home.

What Should You Expect From A Special Needs Shelter?

The Pinellas County Health Department and School Board staff these shelters with nurses and other medical personnel. Oxygen is available, and generators will keep equipment running if a power outage happens. Air conditioning will not be
available if power is interrupted.

Before going to a shelter, arrange to bring at least a seven-day supply of any medications you need along with any special equipment. If you have special diet requirements, be sure to pack your own special nonperishable snacks. For your own comfort, bring items such as bedding, sheets, pillows and blankets. Cots are available only on a limited basis and are not guaranteed.

Special needs shelters do not have hospital beds and cannot assist those with acute medical problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best options to meet your medical needs.

Good Advice For All Residents With Specials Needs

Whether you go to a special needs shelter or not, here’s some good advice to keep in mind when preparing for hurricane season:

  • Start a personal support network of people you can count on during an emergency.
  • Create an emergency health information card that is customized to you.
  • Complete an emergency contact list with names and phone numbers of family members, friends, doctors and hospital preferences.
  • Conduct an ability self assessment. Know what you can and cannot do. Talk with your healthcare provider about a realistic plan.
  • Maintain a minimum of a seven-day supply of essential medications.
  • Keep important equipment and assistive devices in a consistent, convenient and secured place.

To help citizens with special needs, the Department of Health and the Pinellas County School Board staff special needs shelters with nurses and other medical personnel. Oxygen is available. But citizens should plan on bringing their own medication and any needed special equipment.
Special needs shelters are offered only if you have no other options for sheltering, and you require limited medical assistance. Shelters do not have hospital beds and cannot assist those with acute medical problems.

For more information click HERE to view the Pinellas County Emergency Management website.
Questions or comments about this web site? Click HERE.
Last modified: April 10, 2006