Some people cannot be accommodated in regular shelters because of special medical needs. Special Needs Shelters are available for these people. These shelters provide a higher level of medical support than regular public shelters, but they are not for everyone. Consult your physician and the Emergency Management office to see if you qualify for Special Needs Shelter.

What to plan for before a disaster

Establish a Personal Support Network of individuals who will check with you in an emergency to ensure you are O.K. and to give assistance if needed. Identify a minimum of three people at each location where you regularly spend a significant part of your week: job, home, school, volunteer site, etc. This network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal attendants, co-workers and neighbors.

Make Emergency and Medical Information Lists that can be used to help communicate your needs with your personal network and others.

Information to include:

• Names and numbers of people in your personal network, and an out-of-town contact person.
• Tips for communicating with you if you have a communication disability.
• Your medical providers' names and phone numbers.
• Names of medications you take, allergies and sensitivities, the condition for which you take a medication, dosages, when you take it, who prescribed it, and your doctor's phone number.
• Adaptive equipment you use. Label your equipment and attach instruction cards on how to use and move each item.
• Health insurance information and a copy of your most recent Social Security award letter.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do if you do not have enough medicine after a disaster and cannot immediately get what you need. Be sure you ask about the shelf life of your medications and the temperatures at which they should be stored. Determine how often you should replace stored medication. This helps ensure that a medicine's effectiveness does not weaken because of long storage time.

What to take to a Special Needs Evacuation Center
Special Needs Evacuation Centers are refuges of last resort intended to house people out of harms way; they may be crowded and uncomfortable. There is no guarantee there will be electricity and you will have no privacy. Amenities are limited to basic nursing assistance, first aid care, bathroom facilities, food and water. You should prepare an evacuation kit with items to help make your stay more comfortable.

When Evacuating Bring The Following Items

• All Required Medications And Medical Support Equipment (Wheelchair/Walker, Oxygen, Dressings, Feeding Equipment, Diapers, Etc.)
• Any Specific Medication or Cart Instructions.
• Name, Phone Number of Physician/Home Health Agency/Hospital Where you Receive Care.
• Special Dietary Needs (Only regular meals will be provided.)
• Sleeping Gear (Pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs. Evacuation centers tend to be cold so bring a blanket or a sweater to keep warm.)
• Important papers: i.e.: insurance papers, doctors orders.
• Identification: With photo and current address.
• Cash: Check Cashing/Credit Card Services May Not Be Available For Several Days After a disaster. But: Don't Bring Too Much! There Will Be No Place To Secure Money Or Valuables At The Center.
• Comfort Items: Personal Hygiene Items, Snacks, Small Games, Cards, Diapers, Etc.
• Extra Clothing: An Extra Set Of Comfortable Clothing And Few Extra Sets Of Underwear And Socks.
• Something To Eat/Drink: Though there is a food supply at the Special Needs Evacuation Centers it may take us several hours to prepare meals. You should eat a meal or prepare a snack to take with you before you leave your house. Bring some bottled water with you in case the water supply becomes contaminated.

Service Animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in shelters. Have a care plan for your service animal and assemble a portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit. Keep essential supplies in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily. Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely.
• Current photo of your service animal in case they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

Additional Resources

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs (pdf)
Protecting yourself and your family when disaster strikes requires planning ahead. This booklet will help you get started. Discuss these ideas with your family, friends and/or your personal care attendant, or anyone else in your support network and prepare an emergency plan.

American Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
For six months we have researched and discussed disasters and preparedness with the American Red Cross. To avoid getting caught unprepared, we urge you to immediately review the enclosed information and fill in the appropriate local emergency numbers. Be sure to keep this helpful reference tool in a handy place for quick reference.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Special Needs Items
Make sure all your family members are prepared for an emergency!

FEMA Disaster Preparedness For People With Disabilities
Being prepared for emergencies can reduce the fear, panic, and inconvenience that surrounds a disaster.