Individuals with Special Needs

Who are Individuals with Special Needs?

Individuals with Special Needs are those residents in Flagler County that require medical and/or transportation assistance if required to evacuate in an emergency or disaster.

What is a Special Needs Shelter?

  • A Special Needs Shelter, like other disaster shelters, is a place to stay when there is no other sheltering option. It should only be used as a back-up to a personal emergency plan.
  • A Special Needs Shelter provides more medical care and supervision than general population shelters to help meet special medical needs during an evacuation.
  • Under emergency conditions and to the extent possible, the Special Needs Shelter will provide a safe sheltering environment and basic assistance to maintain the current level of health of those it shelters.
  • Service animals (as defined by the American Disabilities Act) are allowed. Their care is the sole responsibility of the owner.
  • Caregiver(s) should come with individuals with special needs to maintain the level of care they are used to receiving. Shelter staff will not be able to provide one-on-one care.

Who is Special Needs Shelter Eligible?

Not all individuals will be eligible to shelter in the Special Needs shelter. Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Dependence upon a health professional to administer medication, including oxygen therapy
  • Dependence upon electricity for life supporting medical equipment
  • Require daily (or more frequent) wound care dressing changes by a health care professional
  • Require daily assistance by a health care professional, because of immobility or other conditions that cause reliance on others for basic care
  • Require daily assessment of an unstable medical condition by professional nursing personnel
  • Have special medical needs, but do not require hospitalization
  • Need assistance with basic everyday tasks

If you do not require any of the needs listed above, you may be better suited for a general population shelter. Special Needs Shelters are designed to support medical needs that go beyond what a general shelter can provide, but they are not intended to replace the level of care available in a hospital or medical facility.

What if I don’t have Special Needs, but need transportation assistance to evacuate?

Complete the registration form so that the County is aware of your transportation needs in an emergency or disaster.

How may I register and/or determine if I am eligible?

In order to apply and determine eligibility, please:

Email to: eoc@flaglercounty.gov, or

Mail to:

Special Needs Program
Flagler County Emergency Management
1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 3
Bunnell, FL 32110

For any questions or concerns about the Special Needs Registry, please call 386-313-4200

Back to top