Many disasters happen without warning. Take time to plan how to protect and provide for yourself, your family, and your pets in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Disasters include such things as hurricanes, floods, fires, chemical accidents, acts of terrorism, or other catastrophic events. These events may cause problems for residents with special needs. They could:

• Require you or the person you care for to vacate your home or living quarters.
• Prevent you from obtaining the water, food, and medication you need.
• Prevent you from obtaining the electrical power you require for dialysis or oxygen.
• Interfere with other home health care you may require.
• Increase episodes of illness that cause you to need medication for stress and anxiety.

If you have special needs or are caring for someone with special needs, it is important to think about preparing for a disaster well in advance. Think about what your special needs will be should you be involved in a disaster:

• Do you, or someone you take care of, require special medication in times of turmoil?
• Do you, or someone you take care of, require oxygen, tube-feeding, dialysis, or other life sustaining equipment?
• If you have to evacuate will you need a wheelchair, walker, a special bed, or special toilet items?
• If you have to evacuate, will you need transportation?
• If you have to evacuate, will you require a special needs shelter?

If you require assistance in evacuation, we will attempt to send appropriate vehicles to transport pre-registered residents to a public shelter, Special Needs Unit, or hospital. TRANSPORTATION WILL NOT BE PROVIDED TO A PRIVATE DESTINATION SUCH AS A RELATIVE’S HOME.

Make sure you explain your special needs clearly when registering, since dialysis, respirators, etc. may require very special accommodations while oxygen may be offered at several Special Needs Shelters. If your special needs require that you go to a hospital, consult with your physician about the need for a signed letter.