In order to accommodate residents who need evacuation assistance to a Special Needs Shelter, it is most important that they register prior to June 1st in advance of hurricane season. This will help in determining which shelter they should go to and what, if any assistance they require to evacuate.

If you feel you may qualify and are not pre-registered please complete a Special Needs Evaluation form. The forms should be faxed to (813) 276-8689.

The individual meets the medical criteria for assignment to the Special Needs Shelters if:

1. They are unable to administer their own frequently required or daily injectable medicines.
2. They require daily or more frequent dressing changes because of moderate or copious drainage from ulcers, fistulas, or other similar problems.
3. They need assistance with ostomy management, dialysis, and indwelling catheters of any kind.
4. Activities of daily living are so restricted by immobility that others provide assistance to meet there basic needs and those people are unavailable at this time.
5. They require daily assessment of unstable medical condition by professional nursing personnel, or other similar conditions.
6. They have a respiratory condition, which requires special equipment such as monitors or oxygen.
7. They have a terminal illness but are ambulatory and in need of professional assistance in administering heavy doses of pain medicine (HOSPICE).
8. They have received a letter by the Hillsborough County Health Department, assigning them to a Special Needs Shelter. People assigned to the Special Needs Shelter will need to take any medication, equipment or articles of comfort they routinely use.

The following people SHOULD NOT go to a special needs shelter: Unless otherwise stated, they should go to a hospital:

1. Pregnant woman within six weeks of estimated day of delivery, or who are in labor.
2. Individuals suffering from acute infection or infestation.
3. Those having an immediate medical or emergency condition.

When evacuating to a shelter, bring the following items:

1. All Required Medications And Medical Support Equipment: Wheel chair/walker, oxygen, dressings, feeding equipment, ostomy, etc. Any specific medication or care instructions. Name, phone number of physician/home health agency/hospital where you receive care.
2. Special Dietary Needs: Only regular meals will be provided.
3. Sleeping Gear: Pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs.
4. Important Papers: Insurance papers, doctors orders.
5. Identification: With photo and current address.
6. Cash: Check cashing/credit card services may not be available for several days after the storm. However, please remember that there will be nowhere to secure money or valuables at the shelter.
7. Comfort items: Personal hygiene items, snacks, small games, cards etc.
8. Extra Items: An extra set of comfortable clothing and a few extra sets of underwear, socks, towel, washcloths, soap, toothbrush and adult diapers.