Important Information
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Special Needs Shelters are defined as structures that have auxiliary power and are capable of providing safe refuge for people who require assistance with the management of a health condition or supervision of that condition by a health professional during the time of a disaster. The intent is to maintain the current health and safety of these individuals to the extent practical. Special Needs Shelters are truly identified as the refuge of last resort for those who could not make other arrangements, such as sheltering with family or friends who live out of the affected area or who have generator power.
The staffing, management and operation of a Special Need Shelter is the shared responsibility of the Highlands County Health Department, local Emergency Management, County Government, Florida Department of Health and the Division of Emergency Management. Locally, the Health Department is the lead agency regarding SpNS as part of the Health and Medical Emergency Support Function 8.
The Shelter does not provide medical care such as a medical facility. It does not provide the comfort and convenience of a home or hotel. No advanced medical equipment or staff will be available.
The shelter will most likely be crowded, noisy and boring.
The Shelter will provide:
Who is eligible for Special Needs Shelter?Special Needs Shelters are designed to accommodate individuals with special medical needs, yet who are not ill enough to require hospitalization. The most common reason for admission to a Special Needs Shelter is a person who requires oxygen therapy and utilizes an electrically powered oxygen concentrator. People with health conditions requiring professional observation and assessment, assistance with medications and monitoring of vital signs may also be admitted. You MAY be eligible if:
Please Note: The Special Needs Shelter is NOT equipped for and cannot accept individuals requiring hospital or nursing home care, or inpatient mental health care. |
What should I bring to the Special Needs Shelter?Cots, bedding and meals are provided. Since space is very limited, clients only need to bring:
All shelterees should bring a caregiver, since staff is limited. Home health agencies should provide staff to take care of their clients. Shelterees will be provided with a list of shelter rules which include no smoking in the shelter or on shelter grounds. The shelter is staffed around the clock, but shelterees are expected to help themselves to the best of their ability, just as they would at home. Cots are provided only to registered shelterees so caregivers are advised to bring bedding. |
How do I register for the Special Needs Shelter?Registration for the Special Needs Shelter begins new every year on March 1. If you were registered for shelter in previous years, you still need to reregister every year. This is because people’s medical conditions and county of residence may change from year to year. For those receiving home health care, applications should be completed and submitted by the home health agency. Other residents may obtain applications from the Health Department or Emergency Management. When an application is submitted, it is reviewed to determine the appropriate level of sheltering. The applicant will then receive a letter informing them that they have been registered for the Special Needs Shelter or that they are appropriate for a General Shelter or need a higher level of care that only a nursing home or hospital can provide. |
How do I register for the Special Needs Shelter?Registration for the Special Needs Shelter begins new every year on March 1. If you were registered for shelter in previous years, you still need to reregister every year. This is because people’s medical conditions and county of residence may change from year to year. For those receiving home health care, applications should be completed and submitted by the home health agency. Other residents may obtain applications from the Health Department or Emergency Management. When an application is submitted, it is reviewed to determine the appropriate level of sheltering. The applicant will then receive a letter informing them that they have been registered for the Special Needs Shelter or that they are appropriate for a General Shelter or need a higher level of care that only a nursing home or hospital can provide. |
All shelter locations and opening times will be announced at a public meeting and this information will be repeated in newspapers and on the radio. In addition, individuals registered for the Special Needs Shelter will receive a phone call with this information.
Individuals who have no transportation should indicate this on their application. Transportation is coordinated through Emergency Management.
The primary shelter is located at the Agri-Civic Center, 4505 George Blvd. in Sebring
Special Needs Shelters are generally intended to operate for a limited time during an emergency. In most instances, shelterees are able to return home as soon as the weather permits. If they are unable to return home due to structural damage or extended power outages, County Human Services, Emergency Management and the Department of Elder Affairs will facilitate relocation.
For further information, call the Highlands County Health Department at 863-382-7232 or 863-382-7251.