Notification Calls
If a hurricane threatens our area, or any other disaster occurs, live operators call Special Needs Registrants who have expressed a transportation need on their registration forms, to offer transportation assistance to a Special Needs shelter. If the Special Needs Registrant requests evacuation and transportation assistance to a shelter, the operator discusses pick up time and location with the registrant.
Special Needs Shelters
Special Needs Shelters are not hospitals, clinics, or hotels. They are normally local schools staffed with public health nurses, social services staff and volunteers. Their function is to temporarily accommodate and shelter people with special needs (who may be accompanied by a caregiver, spouse, or relative) during an emergency situation. Special Needs Registrants are responsible for bringing their own medication, equipment or personal items.
Transportation
During the evacuation process, transportation resources are assigned to transport several hundred residents to Special Needs shelters in a short time. This is why Special Needs Registrants (and caregivers) requesting transportation at the time they are contacted by operators need to be packed and ready to go when transportation arrives for them. This will allow everything to stay on schedule.
Special Needs Registrants who have transportation means to Special Needs shelters, should listen for local media advisories for information on Special Needs shelters such as location and opening time.