Hurricane Response: Special Needs Sheltering

Special Needs Shelters (SpNS) are defined as structures that have auxiliary power and can provide safe refuge for people who require assistance with the management of a health condition or supervision of that condition by a health care professional during a time of disaster. The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOH-Lake) is responsible for the management and staffing of our Special Needs Shelters (SpNS) during weather events that threaten the community. We work in coordination with the Lake County Office of Emergency Management to ensure the safety of all our residents who require assistance that exceed the services provided at a general population shelter.

During a disaster, Special Needs Shelters are designed to care for people who do not require hospitalization but have the following needs:

• Require oxygen therapy
• Require uninterrupted power for medical equipment
• Unable to take medications or monitor vital signs without assistance
• Have chronic conditions requiring assistance with daily life activities
• Health/medical conditions requiring professional observation or assistance
• Health conditions that require isolation and cannot be in a public/general shelter

A caregiver must be present during your stay at the shelter.

Pre-registration is highly recommended to ensure the appropriate placement into a shelter. To register, call the Lake County Office of Emergency Management at 352-742-4850 or visit the Special Needs Registry Portal website.