Special Needs Program

Watch this Florida State Emergency Response Team video for information about reviewing available resources, capabilities, and needs; making evacuation plans and preparing evacuation supplies before a disaster strikes.

This brief video from the Florida State Emergency Response Team has advice on what-to-do if you, or a family member, have special needs.

Watch this Florida State Emergency Response Team video for additional information on what to keep in your emergency supply kit.

The Evacuation Checklist video from the Florida State Emergency Response Team provides information on what-to-do before you evacuate.

Persons with Special Needs are those with disabilities, medical problems or mobility problems that may need transportation assistance with evacuations or disaster sheltering during an emergency.

When registered with the Special Needs program, in an emergency a vehicle will be sent to transport the registrant to a public shelter or the hospital. They will be sheltered according to their needs.

You will be required to complete a questionnaire. We will provide you a letter that you must share with your physician and utility company. You and your doctor will determine what will be best for you during an evacuation. Your doctor must sign the letters, if they pertain to your condition. After you have completed & returned the paperwork to our office, you will be added to our electronic Special Needs registry.

Meet with your caregiver to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, and other emergencies that may affect you.  Decide what you will need to do for each type of emergency. 

Determine ahead of time your alternative shelter, and how you will get there. Examples: Hotel/motel, family or friend's residence, community shelter.

Sign up for alerts and warnings to receive information during an emergency.

Make a list of items you need to take with you in case of an evacuation, such as medication, mobility aids, special dietary foods, electronic devices/chargers, etc. Refer to the Red Cross Survival Kit page for a general list of the minimum basic supplies.