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Special Needs Shelter

Florida Department of Health in Pasco County

Pasco County Special Needs Shelters

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has two special needs shelters:

  1. West Pasco Special Needs Shelter: Located at the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Hudson.
  2. East Pasco Special Needs Shelter: Located at Wiregrass High School in Wesley Chapel.

A special needs shelter should be used as a place of last refuge. If the client has a caregiver, the caregiver MUST accompany the client and MUST remain with the client at the special needs shelter.

Resources

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Registration versus Reservation

Register Online for a Special Needs Shelter

There’s been some confusion with the process of registering for a special needs shelter. Many people are under the impression that once they’ve registered, they’re automatically reserved a bed in the special needs shelter during an emergency such as a hurricane. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Registration does NOT guarantee you a reservation at a special needs shelter.
  • You must register BEFORE the hurricane season begins.
  • If you are in an evacuation zone and have registered, Pasco County Emergency Management will contact you to confirm that you will be reporting to a special needs shelter.
  • If needed, upon request, Pasco County Emergency Management will provide transportation to and from the special needs shelter.

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Qualifications

*There is not enough space available at the shelter for caregivers to use air mattresses.

Who qualifies to be in a special needs shelter?

  • Oxygen dependent
  • Electrical dependent for medical equipment
  • Insulin dependent diabetics who require minimal assistance
  • Minor wound care dressing
  • Memory impaired/dementia patients

Some examples of those who may not be suitable for a special needs shelter are:

  • Tracheotomy patients
  • Recent unstable cardiac patients
  • Bed-bound patients
  • Obese patients
  • Ventilator patients
  • High-risk pregnancy within four weeks of delivery or in active labor

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What To Pack

* There is not enough space available at the shelter for caregivers to use their own air mattresses. 

If a client is qualified and suitable for a special needs shelter, here’s what the client needs to bring with them during an evacuation:

  • Caregiver
  • Bed sheets, blankets, and pillow for client's bed
  • Client’s prescription and non-prescription medication (with original bottle) needed for 7-30 days
  • Supplies and medical equipment for the client’s care and the supply and equipment list from the home health agency
  • Phone, pager, and emergency numbers for the client’s physician, pharmacy, and oxygen supplier (if applicable)
  • Oxygen tanks and concentrator to get to and from the shelter safely
  • CPAPs and nebulizers
  • Name and phone number for the client’s home health agency
  • Copy of the client’s plan of care
  • Original yellow do not resuscitate (DNR) form signed by physician, if applicable
  • Identification, current address and insurance card
  • Special diet items (e.g. dialysis patients), non-perishable food for 7-10 days
  • Glasses, hearing aids and batteries, prosthetics, walkers and/or wheelchairs, and any other assistive devices
  • Personal hygiene items for 7-10 days
  • Extra clothing for 7-10 days
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Self-entertainment and recreational items, like books, magazines, quiet games, etc.

Some important things to remember:

  • If the client has a caregiver, the caregiver must accompany them, if possible.
  • Caregivers who regularly assist the clients in the home are expected to continue to provide the same care in the shelter. 
  • Each caregiver will be provided a chair at their client’s bedside. 
  • Service animals are allowed in the shelter and may remain with their owners. Emotional support animals are also allowed in the shelter but will be housed in a separate shelter area; clients may spend time with their emotional support animals in this separate area. Please bring food, water, leash, and crate for your animal.
  • Bring personal snacks, drinks and any special dietary foods for 7-10 days. It is possible only sparse meals will be provided. 
  • It tends to be cold in the shelter, so bring warm clothes, like a sweater or jacket, and an extra blanket for your caregiver.
  • All items brought to the shelter must fit under your bed.

Preplanning is essential for everyone’s safety. Make your emergency plans BEFORE there’s an evacuation. Don’t wait until a hurricane is coming to register for a special needs shelter!