2018 SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS PROGRAM

Lee County Public Safety

 
 
 

 

 


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

  • Plan A:  If possible, arrange to evacuate to family/friends/motel outside any evacuation areas.
  • Plan B:  Submit your Special Medical Needs Application
  • Complete the Family Emergency Plan and keep it in your Go-Kit
  • Start preparing your Go-Kit with the things you can pack early
  • Know Your Evacuation Zone
  • Let your family/friends know your evacuation plan
  • Download the LeeAlert app

 

Approaching Storm

  • Contact family/friends where you are evacuating to confirm your plan
  • Secure your home and shutters

 

Ordered to Evacuate

  • Confirm the evacuation is for your area – check the LeeAlert app, our website, or social media sites
  • If you are registered with the Special Medical Needs Program, you will receive a call from us to confirm your shelter and transportation plans
  • Finish packing your Go-Kit.  Bring items critical to your survival, such as:
    • Important documents (ID, insurance/medical cards, etc.)
    • Prescriptions, over-the-counter pain and cold meds, etc.
    • Cash from the bank to get you through a few weeks
    • Medical support equipment (nebulizer, feeding pump, wheelchair, etc.)

ü  Portable oxygen tanks to get you to the shelter, then home

ü  Do not bring your concentrator

    • Personal hygiene items, clothing, blanket, pillow, extra glasses
    • Non-perishable food, can opener, snacks, drinks
    • Radio, ear buds or headphones, flashlight, extra batteries
    • Books, magazines, cards, puzzles, etc. to help pass the time
  • Secure your valuables or take them with you
  • Empty your refrigerator/freezer
  • Turn off electrical power at main box
  • Secure your home and evacuate area

 

Return Home

  • Listen to radio/television for official announcement that it is safe to return to your area
  • Determine that your home is not damaged and is “livable”
  • Listen to the radio/television for information on FEMA or Small Business Association phone numbers for assistance

 

If you need further information or have any questions, please call Emergency Management, Special Needs Coordinator at (239) 533-0640.