Vulnerable Residents

Emergency Preparedness for Vulnerable Residents

Before an emergency threatens Florida, all residents should have a plan in place to help ensure their safety. Everyone should be prepared if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones are cut off for an extended period of time. Local government officials and relief workers should know if you or a member of your family is vulnerable in an emergency.

If you are unable to prepare an emergency plan for yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you. Before a weather emergency or other disaster strikes, you should know what you need to do and where you need to go to be “Ready. Set. Safe.” Follow this simple five-step plan.

1. Gather Information

• Seek emergency preparedness and response advice from your local, state and federal government, and community organizations. Find out what emergency plans are in place in your community and workplace, and with your service providers. See if those plans accommodate your special needs.
• Talk to your physician or health care provider about a realistic plan for your safety. Know what you can and can’t do.
• If you undergo routine treatments administered by a physician’s office, clinic or hospital (such as dialysis), are a home healthcare client, or require oxygen supplies, call your service provider to discuss their plans for continuing service to you in an emergency.

2. Pre-Register for Important Services

• Register with your county’s Vulnerable Population Registry. This registry allows people who are disabled, frail or have health issues to register in advance with their city so that emergency workers may plan a better response to vulnerable residents in a recovery effort following a hurricane or other emergency. Each city may use the Vulnerable Population Registry list in a different way, based on their city’s recovery effort.
• Consider your sheltering options and decide on a sheltering plan that is appropriate for you. You should have a plan, even if your plan is to shelter at home. Shelters do not require pre-registration; however, if you plan on going to a Special Medical Needs Shelter, pre-registration is encouraged to ensure that the shelter is adequately prepared to meet your needs. If you pre-register, you are not obligated to go to the shelter in an emergency. You can change your plans without notice if you make other arrangements.
• Pre-register for Para transit transportation, if you think you may need it. As with shelter registration, you are not obligated to take advantage of the service if your plans change.

3. Make Arrangements for Animals

• If you have a service animal, make sure the animal has a collar with identification. In your shelter kit, have proof that the animal’s vaccinations are up to date, and a copy of written instructions for your animal’s care. You are responsible for caring for your service animal during your stay in a shelter.
• Make other arrangements for any pets you may have, as pets other than service animals cannot be accommodated in the shelters.
• If you plan to stay in a Mass Care shelter, see if they have a pet-friendly Mass Care shelter. Pre-registration of pets would generally be required, and owners are expected to shelter with their pets and provide care for them.
• If you plan to stay in a Special Medical Needs shelter, call your Elderly and Veteran’s Services Division in advance and they will help you make arrangements for the care of your pet.

4. Prepare Equipment and Collect Supplies

• Place identification labels on any medical support equipment you would take to the shelter with you, such as wheelchairs, walkers and nebulizers.
• Collect your emergency supplies early. Supplies will vary, depending on whether you choose to go to a shelter or stay at home.
• Keep ample supplies of prescription and non-prescription medications on hand, especially during hurricane season, June 1 through November 30.

5. Shelter Information

In the event of a hurricane or other emergency, some residents are required to evacuate their homes. This can be especially difficult for residents who are disabled, have special medical needs, or are otherwise vulnerable during an emergency. To the extent possible, shelters provide residents with a safe place to stay and basic assistance to help them get through the emergency. Residents who must evacuate their home have several options to consider:

• Option One – Stay With Family or Friends Outside the Evacuation Zone-If you must evacuate your home, either because you live in an evacuation zone, you live in a mobile home (in the event of a weather emergency), or you feel unsafe in your home, your first, best choice is to stay with family or friends in a location outside the evacuation zone. This is where you will be most comfortable.
• Option Two – Stay in a Mass Care Shelter-American Red Cross Mass Care shelters provide a basic level of care and are open to all. No pre-registration is required. If you have a self-managed health condition or disability, you will likely be able to shelter comfortably in a Mass Care shelter. When you arrive at the shelter, be sure to tell shelter personnel what your needs are.
• Option Three – Stay in a Special Medical Needs Shelter-If you have a medical condition that requires a greater level of care than that provided at a Mass Care shelter, but you do not require hospitalization, a Special Medical Needs Shelter may be appropriate for you. These shelters offer basic medical assistance and monitoring. They are staffed by qualified medical personnel and have back-up electricity for limited lighting and essential medical equipment. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to accompany residents with special medical needs. Pre-registration is encouraged for planning and response purposes, but not required..
• Option Four – Stay in a Hospital or Other Medical Facility-If your medical condition exceeds the level of care provided at a Special Medical Needs shelter and/or you require hospitalization or one-on-one care, we recommend you work with your physician or medical provider to arrange the safest shelter option for you, which may include a hospital or other medical facility.