Special Medical Needs Shelters
What Are Special Medical Needs Shelters?
NOTE: This type of shelter does not necessarily open for every size of storm.
Special Medical Needs Shelters are for people who need assistance with a medical condition, or require continuous electricity for medical equipment, or require oxygen and/or dialysis.
Although these shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they DO NOT provide continuous bedside nursing - they only assist with daily functions and medical monitoring.
Special Needs Shelter Requests
Do you think you (or the person you're calling about) meet the criteria for these shelters? (Refer to above)
If yes, you may go to the OPEN special medical needs shelter closest to you. You will be triaged there to determine if you are eligible to stay in this type of shelter. There is no pre-registration required at this time.
If deemed to be not eligible, you will be referred to the nearest general-population shelter.
If possible, it's best to make separate arrangements for your animals prior to arriving at a special medical needs shelter.
Service animals may accompany registrants within the shelter - service animals are those specifically trained to perform a function for the owner/handler.
Pets and emotional support animals may be brought TO the shelter, but will be kenneled in a separate room where they will be monitored by staff - owners may visit and care for them.
It is the responsibility of the owner to bring animals’ kennel, food, and supplies.
Although it is recommended, you do not have to be preregistered to go to a Special Medical Needs Shelter. Preregistration is done by the Department of Health at 813-307-8063. Once these shelters start opening, preregistration activities stop - you simply go to the nearest OPEN special medical needs shelter.
What to Bring
One caregiver to assist with the patient’s daily personal, medical, or other forms of care (nurse, spouse, etc.).
All medicines, medical equipment, essential supplies, and personal items. Medicines should remain in the original medicine bottle.
Clothing, toiletries and personal items to last the duration.
You will be provided a cot, linen, a blanket, and pillow at the shelter. You may bring additional bedding material for your comfort.
Bring your own food supplies if you have special dietary needs.
Please bring only 1 bag of belongings, as space will be limited. This does not include medical equipment and supplies or bedding.
If you use an oxygen tank, bring your own tank or concentrator so you have enough oxygen to get to the shelter and return home.
All special medical care information.
Important papers, including driver’s license or government-issued ID, insurance policies, property inventories, and insurance agent’s name and number.