2018 SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS PROGRAM
The
information on the following two pages will help you make the best possible
decision for your safety and well-being in the event of an impending hurricane.
Our
Special Medical Needs Program offers transportation and shelters for residents
that do not have a safe place to be during the storm, or do not have a way to
get to the shelter. If possible, arrange
to evacuate with family, friends, or at a motel out of harm’s way for your
“Plan A”. A shelter should be your ‘Plan
B”.
Making
specific preparations now for where you will go if a hurricane is heading this
way will take the worry and stress off both you and your loved ones. Pack items to take with you well in advance
so you will be ready to leave as soon as evacuation orders are
issued.
Emergency Public Shelters are usually located in buildings
with large open areas, such as schools, and are a good fit for anyone who is
self-sufficient and needs no outside assistance in performing activities of
daily living. You will
be provided floor space only, so you must bring everything you need to
shelter, such as bedroll, lawn chair, pillow, blanket, clothes, etc. Food and water will be
provided but it would be wise to bring some of your own, as well. Shelters will be crowded, and with a large
storm, may fill up quickly.
Special Medical Needs
Shelters are located
in schools, as well, and are for individuals whose medical issues cannot be managed in a public shelter. Electricity is provided for medical equipment. You need to have a companion/caregiver
accompany and assist you during sheltering.
We will provide oxygen at the shelter.
You must bring your medical equipment, medicines, personal items, money,
etc. Your companion/caregiver must bring
the same things, plus something to sleep on, such as a cot or lawn chair. We
plan to have cots for those registered, but in a catastrophic storm our
supplies will run out, so bring the things you cannot do without. Your pet may shelter with you. You must bring crate/carrier, leash &
collar, food, clean-up supplies, vaccination record, and any other comfort
items for pets.
Shelter
spaces in Hospitals are assigned to people whose health issues are unmanageable
in a Special Medical Needs Shelter.
Sheltering will be in hallways, meeting rooms, or other large congregate
spaces, and no medical attention will be provided. You MUST have a companion/caregiver shelter
with you the entire time. A letter from
your physician must accompany the application.
A bed will be provided, and oxygen, if required. You must bring your medical equipment,
medicines, personal items, money, etc.
Your caregiver will need to bring the same items, plus something to
sleep on. You may NOT bring your pets to shelter at the hospital.
Transportation to shelters can
be pre-arranged by completing this application. LeeTran provides transportation to the
shelters and Lee County EMS to the hospitals for those requiring
stretchers. If you do not pre-arrange
shelter transportation and realize you have no way to get to the shelter, you
can go to any of the LeeTran bus stops and get a free ride to the shelters.
Hurricane Evacuation Check List
Make
Your Plan
Approaching
Storm
Ordered
to Evacuate
ü Portable oxygen tanks to get you to
the shelter, then home
ü Do not bring your concentrator
Return
Home
If
you need further information or have any questions, please call Emergency
Management, Special Needs Coordinator at (239) 533-0640.