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Eligibility Requirements for Special Needs Shelters

Special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, but they do not provide the same level of care found in a medical facility. To the extent possible, these specialized shelters provide a safe environment and basic assistance to maintain your level of health. It is important to note that not every person with a disability needs to evacuate to a special needs shelter. In fact, some people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in general population shelters. Persons eligible for special needs shelters have a physical or mental condition that requires limited medical and/or nursing assistance that cannot be provided in a general population shelter.

Guidelines for admittance to special needs shelters may vary from county to county so it is best to contact your local emergency management office to see if you meet your local eligibility guidelines. To ensure that your unique needs can be met, refer to the list of eligibility requirements below.

You MAY be eligible for a special needs shelter if you meet the following eligibility guidelines that include, but are not limited, to persons who require:

• Special medical necessities but do not require hospitalization
• Precautions or isolation which cannot be handled in a general population shelter due to a contagious health condition(s)
• Oxygen that can be manually supplied
• Full-time care or is accompanied by a caregiver at the shelter
• Assistance with medications and everyday tasks due to a chronic condition
• Periodic wound care assistance
• Accommodations beyond what can be facilitated at a general population shelter

Registration

If you meet one or many of the above requirements you should register with your local emergency management office for admittance to a special needs shelter. Registering before disaster strikes will ensure you have a back-up plan should you be ordered or choose to evacuate. Speak with your emergency management official about your particular needs and they will be able to provide all the specifications and registration requirements that are necessary for you to access a special needs shelter in your area.

• What to Take to a Shelter
• What to Expect in a Shelter
• Eligibility Requirements for Special Needs Shelters
• Sheltering With Your Pet or Service Animal

Go Back to "If You Go: Important Shelter Information."

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