Pinellas County urges residents to sign up for Special Needs Evacuation Program

Pinellas County urges residents to sign up for Special Needs Evacuation Program

With hurricane season underway, Pinellas County Emergency Management is encouraging residents with qualifying needs to register now for the Special Needs Evacuation Program.

During emergency evacuations, the program provides transportation and shelters for residents of all ages with medical, functional or special transportation needs. Some examples include but are not limited to:

• Requiring assistance with routine care and medications.
• Being dependent on oxygen or electricity for medical equipment.
• Requiring assistance with walking or getting out of bed.
• Requiring transportation assistance to an emergency shelter during evacuations.

Key program features include:

• Generator-powered shelters to ensure uninterrupted power for medical devices and life-safety equipment.
• Onsite health professionals available throughout the evacuation to assist with medical needs.
• Transportation assistance for registered participants without other evacuation options.
• Personal outreach from Emergency Management staff to verify needs and confirm enrollment.
• Shelter access for immediate family members and caretakers.
• Pet care provided by Pinellas County Animal Services for registrants without alternative arrangements, until they return home.
  

County staff recently contacted all program registrants to confirm their information is up to date and they are still eligible for the program. Existing registrants who have not confirmed their information with program staff this year are asked to call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800 as soon as possible to ensure they remain on the registration list.

For more information or to register for the Special Needs Evacuation Program, visit Pinellas.gov/SpecialNeeds or call (727) 464-3800.