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What is a Special Needs Shelter?
A Special Needs Shelter is a place to go, when you have no other sheltering option. It is a shelter of last resort and should only be used as a back-up to your own personal sheltering plan.

A Special Needs Shelter provides more care and supervision than a general shelter to help meet your special needs during an evacuation.

To the extent possible under emergency conditions, the Special Needs Shelter will provide a safe sheltering environment and basic assistance to maintain your level of health.

What Should I Expect?
A Special Needs Shelter does not provide the comfort or convenience of a home or hotel, nor does it provide the level of care found in a medical facility.

A shelter may be in a school or other public facility. It may be crowded, noisy and boring. You can expect the following:

  • Food and water. If you want or need special food, you will have to bring it with you. Food must be non-perishable.
  • Basic medical assistance and monitoring. Advanced medical equipment or staff is not available.
  • An area for you and your caregiver to sleep.
  • Back-up electricity for light and essential medical equipment.

Should I Register?
The answer is “Yes” if you have no other place to go and need:

  • Assistance with medication
  • Observation by a health professional
  • Electricity for life supporting medical equipment
  • Basic Nursing Care
  • Oxygen Therapy
  • Assistance to evacuate

Plan Ahead
Pre-registering will ensure that you have a back-up plan. If you are ordered to or choose to evacuate, identify the best sheltering option. If you can stay with family or friends or at a hotel out of the emergency area, you should.

If you have no other sheltering option, you should pre-register and be prepared to go to the Special Needs Shelter. You will be required to bring a caregiver and medical supplies, including your current medications.

Am I Eligible?
The answer is “You may be” if:

  • You have special medical requirements but do not require hospitalization
  • You cannot be accommodated in a regular shelter
  • You need assistance with basic everyday tasks
  • You have a chronic condition that requires assistance

How do I Register?
Don’t wait until an evacuation has been ordered! Find out now if you qualify and what you need to bring with you in the event of an emergency.

For more information or to pre-register, contact:
Pamela Register, Special Needs Coordinator
28 Airport Road
Apalachicola, Florida 32320
Office (850) 653-8977
Fax (850) 653-3643
em3frank@gtcom.net

Downloadable Information:
Special Needs Shelter Registration Form
Special Needs Shelter Registration Form in Spanish
Special Needs Shelter Evacuee Instruction Sheet
Your Shelter Supply Kit Should Include...
No Transportation Pickup Points
No Transportation Application
Special Needs Shelter Mailing - English
Special Needs Shelter Mailing - Spanish

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