Hardee County Emergency Management is committed to ensuring that all residents, regardless of ability, are prepared before, during, and after emergencies. Individuals with disabilities, access and functional needs, or those who require additional assistance during a disaster are encouraged to take proactive steps and utilize available resources to stay safe.
Special Needs Shelter
What is a Special Needs Shelter?
A special needs shelter provides refuge during emergencies for residents who need limited medical assistance, oxygen, or electrical support but do not require hospitalization. These shelters are staffed with medical personnel and are equipped to provide basic care and monitoring.
The shelter does not provide:
- Advanced or acute medical care
- Life-sustaining equipment that requires complex management
- Bedside or one-on-one nursing care
- Long-term placement or housing
The shelter does provide:
- Basic services such as electricity, food, and medical supervision
- Clients will be given a cot, due to limited space, caregivers will receive a chair
Who should consider a special needs shelter?
- A person medically dependent on uninterrupted electricity for therapies including but not limited to oxygen, nebulizer, CPAP, and feeding tubes
- A person with a stable medical condition that requires periodic observation, assessment and maintenance
- A person with limited mobility who require minimal assistance
- A person requiring periodic wound care assistance (i.e. dressing changes)
- A person requiring dialysis
Who should consider a general population shelter or hospital instead?
- Individuals who can safely shelter without medical assistance – Those who live in a mobile or manufactured home and are not electrically dependent, and their medical condition does not require the level of care for a Special Needs shelter can go to the general population shelter
- Patients requiring hospital-level or intensive care – If DOH Hardee determines a person’s medical condition is beyond the care that can be provided to them in a Special Needs shelter, they are assigned to an alternate facility, such as a hospital, which requires them to obtain a pre-admit order from their physician to be used in the event of a mandatory evacuation or State of Emergency.
How do I get to the Special Needs shelter?
Those with reliable transportation can report to the Special Needs shelter when they are told it is open. Those who do not have personal transportation can request transportation and it can be provided. The transportation arrangements will be assessed via telephone, prior to a storm.
When should I report to the Special Needs shelter?
If you are registered you will receive a call letting you know when the Special Needs shelter will be opening. If you are not registered or are unsure please call Emergency Management for more information. Do not report to the shelter before it has opened.
How to Register for a Special Needs Shelter
Pre-registration is preferred for planning purposes and priority placement.
You can register in one of the following ways:
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Online at Florida Special Needs Registry
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Call Hardee County Emergency Management at 863-773-6373 for assistance
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Print and mail to the Emergency Management Office at:
404 W Orange St, Wauchula, FL 33873
Please note – Special Needs shelter registration will stop processing 3 days prior to landfall of a storm. After that point you will need to go to the Special Needs shelter when is it opens to see if you meet criteria.
Emergency Kit Tips for Persons with Disabilities
In addition to the standard emergency supply kit, consider including:
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Extra mobility aids (canes, walkers, wheelchair batteries)
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Copies of medical prescriptions and care plans
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A list of personal contacts and emergency support persons
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Adaptive communication devices or visual aids
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Extra assistive technology chargers or batteries
Build a Personalized Emergency Plan
We encourage all residents with disabilities to:
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Prepare a supply kit with medications, adaptive equipment, and backup power
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Share a plan with trusted family, friends, or caregivers
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Keep updated contact information for your healthcare providers
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Learn how to shelter in place if evacuation isn’t possible
For help creating a custom plan, call Emergency Management at 863-773-6373