Charlotte County’s special needs shelter is a shelter of last resort, that provides safety and limited basic medical needs assistance during an emergency to people with daily needs. This shelter is for people who:
- Do not require hospitalization
- Use supplemental oxygen on a daily basis or equipment that is electrically dependent
- Have moderate cognitive conditions
Advance registration is required
Advance registration is required to be admitted to the special needs shelter. Call Charlotte County’s Office of Emergency Management at 941-833-4000 to confirm eligibility.
What to bring to the SPECIAL NEEDS shelter:
- A homecare giver (e.g. relative, friend, or nurse aid)
- Personal and medical information
- Daily prescription and non-prescription medication for at least seven days
- Special items (i.e. hearing aids with extra batteries, dentures, eyeglasses, back-up oxygen tank, and special dietary food)
- At least a week’s worth of clothing, including a warm jacket or sweater
- Bedding, blanket, and pillow
- Personal hygiene items (e.g. shower shoes, towel, shampoo, body soap, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and diapers)
- Plastic bags for soiled items
- Entertainment items (e.g. books, magazines, and games)
- Drinks and snacks
- Home medical equipment
- Mobility equipment and related electrical chargers as applicable (i.e. cane, walker, and wheelchair)
- Diabetic supplies (e.g. insulin, glucometer, and lancets)
- Spare keys
It is recommended to write your name on all personal items, and print a copy of the tip-sheet: Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Residents.
PETS
Plan a safe place to take your pets before a disaster strikes. Personal pets can be sheltered at alternate refuge sites such as community animal shelters or alternate pet-friendly homes. People admitted to the special needs shelter can drop off their pets at the facility, but they will be transported to a pet-friendly shelter and will remain there until it’s safe to reunite them with their owners.
Only service animals are allowed at the special needs shelter. According to 413.08, Florida Statutes, service animal means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.