A Special Needs Shelter is a place to go, when you have no other sheltering option. It is a shelter of last resort and should only be used as a back-up to your personal sheltering plan. A Special Needs Shelter provides more care and supervision than a general shelter to help meet your special needs during an evacuation.
To the extent possible under emergency conditions, the Special Needs Shelter will provide a safe sheltering environment and basic assistance to maintain your level of health.
Service animals are allowed. Their care is the responsibility of the owner.
Individuals who elect to use a Special Needs or other public shelter should bring with them items such as cots, bedding, medicine, medical supplies, and food supplies, preparing to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.
What Should I Expect?
A Special Needs Shelter does not provide the comfort or convenience of a home or hotel, nor does it provide the level of care found in a medical facility.
A shelter may be in a school or other public facility. It may be crowded, noisy and boring.
You can expect the following:
- Food and water. If you want or need special food, you must bring it with you. Food must be non-perishable.
- Basic medical assistance and monitoring. Complex medical equipment or care is not available.
- An area for you and your caregiver to sleep.
- Back-up electricity for light and essential medical equipment.
What Do I Bring?
Please review the Special Needs Shelter Checklist for a list of items to bring with you to a Special Needs Shelter.
Am I Eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- You have special medical needs but do not require hospitalization.
- You cannot be accommodated in a regular shelter.
- You need assistance with basic everyday tasks.
- You have a chronic condition that requires assistance.
Special Needs Registry
Special needs shelters are for those with disabilities or who require medical care that exceeds basic first aid. Preregistration is important so emergency responders can ensure space is reserved for those with the greatest need.