Special Needs
Florida Keys Hurricane Guide 2009
State of Florida Emergency Management Act Florida Statue 252.355 – Registration of Disabled Citizens; notice
1) In order to meet the special needs of persons who would need assistance during evacuations and sheltering because of physical and mental handicaps, each local emergency management agency in the state shall maintain a registry of disabled persons located within the jurisdiction of the local agency. The registration shall identify those persons in need of assistance and plan for resource allocation to meet those identified needs.
Evacuation and sheltering information
Individuals are eligible to be registered with the Special Needs Registry if they are frail, elderly, medically needy, and/or disabled and are not served in or by a residential facility program. Eligible clients are required to complete and sign the Special Needs Registry Application as well as the HIPAA Disclosure of Information and HIPAA Privacy Act forms before they will be placed on the registry.
You should try and seek help or shelter from friends, neighbors, or family in a hurricane or other disaster. Public shelters should be a last resort for those who have no other choice. If you cannot drive yourself, nor have any family, friends or neighbors who can take you to a shelter, you are encouraged to register for this service.
All registered clients will be contacted when a hurricane is threatening Monroe County and given information on the County’s evacuation plan. In all category storms Special Needs clients who have requested transportation to the Special Needs Shelter are taken to a staging area where they will board a chartered bus and be taken to Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Monroe County’s designated out-of-county shelter. At the time the client is contacted, they must decide if they will be evacuating. There is no time for a 2nd call. If evacuating, the client will be given an approximate time they will be picked up. They must have all their supplies and belongings ready to go.
Please remember that space and supplies are limited at shelters. Very few comforts will be available. If you need special foods, you should bring a couple days supply of food that will not spoil. It may be several hours before shelters are fully supplied. Please remember to bring all prescription medications and important papers. See “What to Bring to a Shelter” below.
To register for this important service, contact:
Anna M Haskins, Special Needs Coordinator
Monroe County Transportation program
(305) 292-4591 • .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
1100 Simonton Street, RM 1-187, Key West, Fl 33040
What to bring to a shelter
Special Needs Clients
Food: If you have the need for special foods (Ensure, etc.) you may bring them with you. High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and other snack foods may be a good idea if you get hungry in between meals. If necessary bring special dietary foods—such as diabetic, low salt, liquid diet, baby food and formula. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Bring enough for 7 days.
Clothing and Bedding: At least one complete change of clothing including footwear. Plan enough for 7 days. A sleeping bag, blanket and pillow. Rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Personal Items: Washcloth, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, towelettes, etc. Please bring diapers if necessary. Bring a 7 days supply.
Medications, First-Aid supplies: Medications—clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and prescribing physician. You must be able to take all medications by yourself. Any dressing changes needed. Please provide a 7 days supply of all medications and dressings.
Important Papers: Identification and valuable papers (insurance documents, etc.), Name and address of doctors, Name and address of nearest relative not living in area.
Pets: Special Needs clients who pre-register their pet(s) are able to bring their pet(s) with them to shelter providing that Pet-Friendly sheltering is available at that time, they provide the required supplies (including a cage, food for 7 days, etc.), and make arrangements in advance of their pick-up.
Miscellaneous: Bring a cell phone if you have one. It may come in handy. Games, cards, toys, battery powered radios, flashlights (no candles or lanterns), batteries, or other reasonable items you may need are welcome too. Take a bath and eat before you leave home.
Not Allowed: Alcoholic beverages, or weapons.
