Hendry and Glades County residents with qualifying special/medical needs are encouraged to apply for registration as a Special Needs person.
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Hendry and Glades County residents with qualifying special/medical needs are encouraged to apply for registration as a Special Needs person.
A Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) is for “someone who during periods of evacuation or emergency, requires sheltering assistance, due to physical impairment, mental impairment, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities.”
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Preparedness and Response administers a statewide Special Needs Shelter Program to assist County Health Departments in addressing the special medical needs of people in their community. It is important to apply in advance for this program so, if qualified, you will be on the county’s registry for sheltering at a Special Needs Evacuation Shelter during a disaster. Pre-registration helps the Health Department to help you when time is limited.
Eligibility for Special Needs Shelters:
• People with special medical needs
• People whose care exceeds the basic first aid provided at general population shelters
• People with impairments or disabilities who are medically stable and do not require medical care
• People with disabilities are not required to go to a Special Needs Shelter. Some people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter
All Special Needs Shelter participants must bring a caregiver with them to the designated Special Needs shelter. The caregiver must be able to:
• Assist you with all activities of daily living, including dressing and toileting.
• Lift you to/from toilet and cot and wheelchair as needed.
• Assist you with walking (with or without walker), assist with wheelchair.
• Transport food from cafeteria to you as needed.
• Assist with medication and any treatments as needed.
• Monitor your oxygen usage.
• Provide evacuation center management with a discharge plan in the event the you cannot return to your home.
You are permitted to bring your spouse/significant other and dependents (limited to high school age and below, living in same household) with you in addition to your caregiver. Many times the caregiver is a spouse/significant other; please be sure that they can fulfill the caregiver responsibilities outlined above.
There is no guarantee that household members will be housed in the same room as you or that bedding/cots are will be available for them.
The Special Needs Shelter is located in the LJ Nobles Senior Center - 475 East Cowboy Way in LaBelle (Just East of the LaBelle Airport).
How To Apply
Registering with the Special Needs Program does not guarantee you will be assigned a space in the Special Needs Shelter. Your application will be reviewed by the Department of Health, and you will be assigned to a shelter where your needs can be managed. Application’s can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link in the table below or you can register online by at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nf6g6FnHAUh64BtxJronoKF92e4VWGd1/view.
You may complete a paper application and fax it or mail it to Hendry County Emergency Management, or email it to E911@hendryfla.net (we stop processing applications when Hendry County enters the five-day forecast cone of a storm, so submit your application early in the season.) OR you may register online by visting the link below:
Online Florida Special Needs Registry Application available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nf6g6FnHAUh64BtxJronoKF92e4VWGd1/view
Mail to: Hendry County Emergency Management
Personal Contact and Medical Information List:
Compile a list of friends or family who can be contacted during an evacuation. Include the name and phone number of a primary medical provider as well as the names and doses of all medications.
Make a Shelter Kit:
Assemble an emergency supply kit in a duffle bag or backpack and label it with the client’s name and phone number. Store the supply kit in a place that is dry and easily accessible. Include all medications and medical equipment including batteries and power cords. A more detailed checklist of suggested items to bring to a shelter can be found on this Shelter Items Checklist for Special Needs Client.
Gather Important Documents:
Store an emergency contact list and documents in your emergency supply kit in case your home is damaged. Keep the information in a safe place and give copies to your personal support network and out of area contact.
What to bring with you
Space at the shelter can be limited depending on how many people seek evacuation. Please limit your belongings to: clothing and personal hygiene items for up to three (3) days. Limit one (1) suitcase/bag per person, and bring clothing suitable for layering as the temperature of the shelter may vary.
