We want to make sure Indian River County residents who require medical assistance have a safe place to go during a disaster evacuation. The goal of the Special Needs Shelter is to provide temporary shelter during an evacuation and provide the additional assistance that may be needed by those with special medical needs.

REGULAR PUBLIC SHELTERS

Regular public shelters available under emergency conditions will accept anyone who is self-sufficient and needs no outside professional assistance in performing activities of daily living. Individuals not able to care for themselves will either be referred to the Special Needs Shelter or to an appropriate health care facility.Individuals with decreased mobility but no additional medical problems will be provided for in a regular shelter.

DO YOU NEED TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE TO A SHELTER?

Individuals needing transportation to a Regular Shelter or the Special Needs Shelter, must register with the Special Needs program prior to hurricane season. There are no guaranteed pick ups for last minute transportation requests once an evacuation order has been issued. Please register now!

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTER

The focus of the Special Needs Shelter is the medical support and care of persons who require special care during an evacuation at a shelter, such as but not limited to: Dialysis, Oxygen dependent, Nebulizer and Hospice patients.

Registration is recommended to allow entrance into the Special Needs Shelter. There are some limitations, specifically those patients with unstable medical conditions, citizens living in adult living facilities or nursing homes. These facilities are required to have emergency evacuation plans for their residents.

The Special Needs Shelter is designed for the handicapped and hasadequate space to accomodateall theresidents in our county with special medical needs.

The Special Needs Shelter is located at the Treasure Coast Elementary School located on Highway 510 - just south of the Sebastian River High School.The address is 8955 85th Street in Sebastian.

As with any shelter, individuals who plan on utilizing the Special Needs Shelter must provide their own bedding, medications and supplies to the best of their ability. Supplies would include oxygen equipment, linens, pillows, blankets, chairs, medical supplies, medications, and any other personal items to make the stay as comfortable as possible. Drinking water and any non-perishable food items are also encouraged. Any special dietary foods required by a special care evacuee will be his/her responsibility. Assistance from the parking area into the Special Needs Shelter will be available.

Items such as emergency oxygen equipment, first aid supplies, and advanced life support medications and equipment will be provided by the Department of Emergency Services.

If you are unsure of whether to evacuate to a regular public shelter or to the Special Needs Shelter, please do not hesitate to call us for detailed information.

If you would like to receive a registration application or if you require additional disaster preparedness information, please contact the Indian River County Emergency Management office at (772) 567-2154 or visit our Website located at www.irces.com.