Special Medical Needs

Special Needs Registry

Clay County Emergeny Management, with the help of the Florida Department of Health in Clay County, maintains a registry of individuals within the county who have special medical needs. This includes individuals who may require daily skilled nursing care, assistance with daily living, or have life-sustaining or saving medical equipment which requires electricity.

Registration

Register with the special needs registry.

Registration does not guarantee that a person will receive assistance during an event. Registered individuals will have their information evaluated to determine if they are candidates to utilize the county's only special medical needs shelter. Most people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter. 

This shelter is a refuge of last resort for individuals who have special medical needs and must evacuate. A caregiver should accompany sheltered individuals for the duration of their stay.

Special Needs Shelter

When a major disaster threatens Clay County, residents with medical, functional, or special needs may need to seek shelter where their electrical needs can be met. The Florida Department of Health in Clay County and Clay County Emergency Management coordinate to offer special needs sheltering. 

It is important to keep in mind that the special needs shelter is a shelter of last resort. It is designed to meet the needs of persons who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelter.

It is imperative that people with medical, functional, or special needs who need assistance with care have a disaster plan to address his/her needs. The special needs shelter should only be relied on as a back up to an already well thought out plan.

Eligibility

• People with special medical needs.
• People whose care exceeds the basic first aid provided at general population shelters.
• People with impairments or disabilities who are medically stable and do not require medical care.
• People with disabilities are not required to go to a special needs shelter.

What does the special needs shelter offer?

The Clay County special needs shelter will provide:

• Three meals per day and water. If you are on a special diet, you will have to bring non-perishable food items with you.
• Back-up electricity for essential medical equipment will be made available. Complex medical equipment or care is not available.
• Space for you and your required caregiver. If you require a caregiver's assistance at home, they should accompany you to the shelter.
• Cots are available on a limited basis and not guaranteed. For your comfort, bring items such as bedding, pillows, and blankets.

List of items to bring to the special needs shelter