Individuals with Special Needs

Who are Individuals with Special Needs?

Individuals with Special Needs are those residents, living at home, in Flagler County that require medical and/or transportation assistance if required to evacuate in an emergency or disaster. Please note that Group Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Nursing Homes are required, by the State of Florida, to make alternative arrangements for their residents.

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

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