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The goal of the Special Needs Shelter Program is to provide a safe place for persons requiring medical assistance to temporarily shelter during an evacuation from either a man-made or natural disaster, rather than inundating local hospitals with a large number of people that a specially equipped and staffed shelter could adequately handle. |
| REGULAR PUBLIC SHELTERS |
| Regular public shelters available under emergency conditions will accept anyone who is self-sufficient and needs no outside professional assistance in performing activities of daily living. Individuals not meeting the above criteria will either be referred to the Special Needs Shelter or to an appropriate health care facility. The regular public shelters will have nursing personnel and volunteers to assist evacuees from the time of arrival at the shelter. Individuals with decreased mobility but no additional medical problems will be provided for in a regular shelter. |
| TRANSPORTATION REGISTRATION |
| Individuals needing transportation to a Regular Shelter or the Special Needs Shelter, must register with the Special Needs program prior to hurricane season. There are no guaranteed pick ups for last minute transportation requests once an evacuation order has been issued. |
| SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER |
| The focus
of the Special Needs Shelter is the medical support and care
of persons who require special care during an evacuation at
a shelter, such as but not limited to: Dialysis, Oxygen dependent,
Nebulizer and Hospice patients. Registration is not required, but recommended to allow entrance into the Special Needs Shelter. There are some limitations, specifically those patients with unstable medical conditions, citizens living in adult living facilities or nursing homes. These facilities are required to have emergency evacuation plans for their residents. This facility, is designed for the handicapped, and has an adequate space capacity for the Special Needs citizens of our county. The location of the Special Needs Shelter in Indian River County is the Treasure Coast Elementary School, 8955 85th Street, Sebastian, FL 32958, Sebastian. This facility, is designed for the handicapped, and has an adequate space capacity for the Special Needs citizens of our county. As with any shelter, individuals who plan on utilizing the Special Needs facility must provide their own bedding, medications and supplies to the best of their ability. Supplies would include oxygen equipment, linens, pillows, blankets, chairs, medical supplies, medications, and any other personal items to make the stay as comfortable as possible. Drinking water and any non-perishable food items are also encouraged. Any special dietary foods required by a special care evacuee will be his/her responsibility. Assistance from the parking area into the Special Needs Shelter will be available. Items such as emergency oxygen equipment, first aid supplies, and advanced life support medications and equipment will be provided by the Division of Emergency Medical Services. If you are unsure of whether to evacuate to a regular public shelter or to the Special Needs Shelter, please do not hesitate to call for detailed information. If you would like to receive a registration application or if you require additional information on hurricanes, please contact the Department of Emergency Services at 772) 567-2154. |
A Shelter is not intended to be comfortable. Shelters are buildings outside of an Evacuation Zone to keep people out of harms way. You should prepare to bring items to help make your stay more comfortable. It is imperative that required items are prepared prior to official notification. WHEN EVACUATING TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER, BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: ALL REQUIRED MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL SUPPORT EQUIPMENT:
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS: Only regular meals will be provided. SLEEPING
GEAR: Pillows, blankets, cot or air mattress, folding chairs. IMPORTANT PAPERS: Insurance papers, doctors orders, etc. IDENTIFICATION: With photo and current address. CASH: Check cashing/credit card services may not be available for several days after the storm. BUT: Don=t bring too much! There will be no place to secure money or valuables at the shelter. COMFORT ITEMS: Personal hygiene items, water, snacks, small games, cards, flashlight and portable radio with batteries, extra batteries, etc. EXTRA CLOTHING: A few extra sets of comfortable clothing, underwear and socks. Though there is a food supply at the Special Needs Shelter, it may take us several hours to prepare meals. You should eat a meal or prepare a snack to take with you before leaving your home. Pets are NOT allowed in pubic shelters. You must make other arrangements for them. However, the Humane Society will assist with arrangements for pets belonging to Special Needs evacuees. |
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