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Special Needs Shelter Services
TOP TIPS
- Broward County operates a Special Needs Shelter Program for qualified residents located in evacuation areas.
- Special needs residents are defined as persons with health-related problems who do not qualify for admission to a public shelter operated by the American Red Cross due to the nature of their health care needs.
- RESIDENTS WHO FEEL THEY QUALIFY FOR A SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE, BEFORE A STORM THREAT.
- To register, residents should contact the Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division at 954-537-2888 or TTY 954-537-2882. Your primary care physician will be required to complete a portion of the registration form.
- Advance registration is required for transportation to the Special Needs Shelter.
- The application process takes about 3-4 weeks. You will receive a confirmation letter.
- If the Hurricane Hotline has already been activated in response to a s to rm threat, it is TOO LATE to register for a special needs shelter. Call a family member, friend, physician, or as a last resort, hospital.
Persons Requiring Oxygen:
There is limited availability for residents who require 24 hour oxygen. Residents must pre-register through the Special Needs Registry. Due to the limited capacity at this shelter, applications will be accepted in the order in which they are received.
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SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER SERVICES
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Special Needs shelters
CAN accommodate:
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- Persons who need assistance administering their own medication injections. You must bring all medications with you to the shelter.
- Persons who need assistance with ostomy management and catheters.
- Persons with minimal restrictions with daily living activities, including only minimal supervision from medical personnel.
- Persons who require minimal monitoring of an unstable medical condition.
- Persons who need intermittent oxygen.
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Special Needs Shelters
CANNOT accommodate:
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| What to Bring |
The following are suggested items for evacuees to bring with them to the Special Needs shelter. Evacuees should bring items that will help secure their comfort:
- Pillow and blanket (cots are provided in special needs shelters)
- At least a three-day supply of medical supplies and medications
- Personal items including a change of clothing, extra pair of eyeglasses, etc.
- Non-perishable snack foods
- Supplies for a services animals, which are welcome at each shelter
- Equipment or aids necessary for activities of daily living
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TIPS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
People with disabilities have the same choices as other residents about whether to evacuate their homes and where to go when an emergency threatens. Listen to the advice of local officials. Decide whether it is better to leave the area, stay with a friend or family members or go to a Red Cross shelter. Each of these decisions requires planning and preparation.
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Persons Requiring
Oxygen
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Persons who need oxygen intermittently will be accommodated at Special Needs shelters. If transportation is being provided, riders may only transport self-carrying portable oxygen containers. A supply of oxygen units will be available at the shelters for riders who are unable to transport their oxygen containers.
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Dialysis
Patients
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Dialysis patients should contact their doctor or dialysis center immediately to make arrangements for dialysis and to formulate a care plan in the event of an extended power outage.
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Persons
with
Speech, Language
or Hearing Disabilities
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- For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
- When you dial 9-1-1, tap space bar to indicate TTY call.
- Store a writing pad and pencils to communicate with others.
- Keep a flashlight handy to signal whereabouts to other people and for illumination to aid in communication.
- Remind friends that you cannot completely hear warnings or emergency instructions. Ask them to be your source for emergency information as it comes over their radio.
- If you own a service animal, be aware that the animal may become confused or disoriented in an emergency. Store extra food, water and supplies for the animal in addition to yourself.
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Storm Preparation Tips
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- Check for hazards in the home. During and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire is a home hazard. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or overhead lights that could fall and block an escape path.
- Create a self-help network of relatives, friends or coworkers to assist in an emergency. For example, if you need help moving or require special arrangements to receive emergency messages, make a plan with friends. Give a key to neighbor or friend who may be able to assist you in a disaster.
- Be ready to evacuate. Have a plan for getting out of your home or building. Ask family or friends for assistance, if necessary.
- Plan two evacuation routes. Some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.
- Have disaster supplies on hand (see Hurricane Preparedness). Make sure your self-help network knows where you keep your emergency supplies.
- List the names, address and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacists and detailed information about your medication regime. Store the list with your emergency supplies, and give a copy to another family member, friend or neighbor.
- Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability in case of an emergency.
- If you use a wheelchair, show friends how to operate your wheelchair so they can move you if necessary. Make sure your friends know the size of your wheelchair in case it has to be transported.
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During the Storm
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- Listen constantly to the radio and/or television for hurricane advisories.
- Do not stay alone during the storm. Have someone stay with you, or ask someone to check on you periodically.
- Stay calm since emotional stress increases your heart rate, quickens breathing, makes breathing more difficult and demands more oxygen from the body.
- Avoid the use of candles or lanterns. If they must be used, keep them at least 10 feet away from your oxygen source.
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Updated July 23, 2006
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