A medical assistant provides a patient with a list of community resources for food and shelter

A Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) is for "someone who during periods of evacuation or emergency, requires sheltering assistance, due to physical impairment, mental impairment, cognitive impairment or sensory disabilities.” Chapter 64-3, Florida Administrative Code The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Preparedness and Response administers a statewide Special Needs Shelter Program to assist County Health Departments in addressing the special medical needs of people in their community.

Special Needs Shelters are designed to meet the needs of persons who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelter. A SpNS is a place to go when there is no

If a person is medically stable but needs help with basic tasks or uses an electronic medical device and has no other evacuation options, they should pre-register for a SpNS. Click here to register for a Special Needs Shelter.

Eligibility for Special Needs Shelters 

• 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. Some people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter.

The capabilities of each SpNS varies based upon a community's needs and available resources. Click here to contact an Emergency Management Office to learn about local services.

Locations and Expectations for SpNS:  

• SpNS are often setup in public facilities
• Food and water is available, but shelters may not be able to accommodate special dietary needs
• Shelter staff only offer basic medical assistance and monitoring
• Complex medical equipment or care is not available
• Clients and their caregivers will have a small sleeping area
• Back-up electricity for light and essential medical equipment will be available 

Prior to going to a shelter:  

Personal Contact and Medical Information List:
Compile a list of friends or family who can be contacted during an evacuation. Include the name and phone number of a primary medical provider as well as the names and doses of all medications.       

Make a Shelter Kit:
Assemble an emergency supply kit in a duffle bag or backpack and label it with the client’s name and phone number. Store the supply kit in a place that is dry and easily accessible. Include all medications and medical equipment including batteries and power cords. A more detailed checklist of suggested items to bring to a shelter can be found on this Shelter Items Checklist for Special Needs Client.

Gather Important Documents:
Store an emergency contact list and documents in your emergency supply kit in case your home is damaged. Keep the information in a safe place and give copies to your personal support network and out of area contact.

Statutes, Rules and Special Needs Data: 

F.S. Section 252.355—Registry of persons with special needs; notice.
F.S. Section 252.356—Emergency and disaster planning provisions to assist persons with disabilities or limitations.
F.S. Section 381.0303—Healthcare Practitioner Recruitment for Special Needs Shelters.
FAC 64-3—Florida Administrative Code—Rules related to Special Needs Shelters.
Functional Needs Data by County and Region

Special Needs Shelter Interagency Committee: 

The goal of the Special Needs Shelter Interagency Committee is to facilitate the development of policies, procedures, and best practices for the state’s Special Needs Shelter Program, focusing on people with special medical needs as well as the state’s vulnerable populations. The interagency committee is championed by the Bureau of Preparedness and Response and includes members from different state agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other local associations.

Meetings of the committee are held in Tallahassee, and members of the committee serve at the expense of the agencies or organizations they represent. The committee uses teleconference or videoconference capabilities to ensure statewide input and participation.

Upcoming Committee Meetings:
No meetings scheduled at this time

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