Question 1

What are Special Needs Shelters?

Accepted Answer

A special needs shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to individuals with physical, cognitive, or medical conditions who may require assistance from medical professionals and to residents who require the use of medical equipment or devices. These shelters do not provide bedside nursing care or one to one care.

Question 2

Am I eligible to use a Special Needs Shelter during an evacuation?

Accepted Answer

Hillsborough County, eligibility criteria may include, but is not limited to:

A person with a stable medical condition that requires periodic observation, assessment, and maintenance
A person requiring periodic wound care assistance (i.e. dressing changes)
A person requiring assistance with oral, subcutaneous or intramuscular injectable, or topical medication
A person medically dependent on uninterrupted electricity for therapies including but not limited to oxygen, nebulizer, and feeding tubes
A person with mental or cognitive limitations requiring assistance
A person requiring dialysis

Question 3

What equipment is provided at a Special Needs Shelter?

Accepted Answer

Supplies and medical equipment available include:

Medical cots
Linens, blankets, and pillows
Oxygen
Generator power
General and medical staff to assist the client and the client's caregiver

Question 4

What should I bring to a Special Needs Shelter? Shelter space is limited.

Accepted Answer

Bring only one bag (not including medical equipment/supplies). Bring your medical equipment, special dietary foods, and supplies, including:

Your oxygen tank or concentrator so you have enough oxygen to get to the shelter and to return home
Medications
List of medications
Wound care supplies
Bedding
Towel/washcloth
Change of clothing
Wheelchair/walker
Personal hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, adult diapers, etc.)
We also highly encourage you to bring one caregiver to assist you at the shelter

Question 5

Are Special Needs Shelters pet friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all special needs shelters are pet friendly. Service animals may stay with you. Non-service pets are kenneled in a separate room where they will be monitored by staff, and you can visit and care for them.

Bring your pet’s kennel, food, and supplies. Consider making separate arrangements for your pets prior to arriving at the shelter. For information about pet sheltering, contact Pet Resources at (813) 301-PETS (7387).

Question 6

Is transportation to a Special Needs Shelter available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you pre-register for the Special Needs Shelter, indicate if you need transportation. During an evacuation, Hillsborough County will arrange transportation with Sunshine Line to take you to your assigned shelter.

Question 7

Can I use a Special Needs Shelter if I am in an assisted living facility or hospice?

Accepted Answer

If you or a loved one receive hospice care or reside in an assisted living facility, contact the facility or hospice agency for emergency preparedness planning. They will arrange sheltering and/or transportation needs.

Question 8

How do I find my evacuation zone?

Accepted Answer

If you need assistance locating your evacuation zone or route, please contact Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management at (813) 236-3800. You can also look up your evacuation zone online on the Hillsborough County HEAT Tool.

Question 9

Can I register for a Special Needs Shelter during an evacuation?

Accepted Answer

No, when a storm is approaching and evacuation efforts begin, registration efforts stop. If you are not registered and believe you should go to a special needs shelter, monitor local media to determine which special needs shelters are open and go to the one closest to you.

You will be triaged onsite to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Pre-registration is preferred to expedite entry and assist with planning, but you do not have to be pre-registered to go to a shelter.

Question 10

How to Register and What’s Next?

Accepted Answer

To register for a special needs shelter or transportation, complete the program evaluation form by:

Registering online (preferred method)
Calling your home health care provider
Calling the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County at (813) 307-8063

Be as detailed as possible in the evaluation form to ensure an accurate eligibility assessment.

After evaluation, you will receive a status letter with more information about the program.

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