Hurricane Evacuation and Assistance Resources for People with Medical/ Functional Needs or Disabilities – Southeast
Looking for assistance with a senior, disability, or functional needs evacuation plan for hurricanes? The resources listed below are a great place to start!
Below is a list of resources for assistance with hurricane evacuation and preparation for the Gulf Coast states and Southeast Region. This includes people for whom emergency preparation or evacuation creates unique challenges such as seniors and those with disabilities or functional needs. However, the best option is always to evacuate if you have a special need or disability.
During and after a hurricane or tropical storm, many of the resources needed for anyone with unique challenges are not available and may not be for days, weeks, or months depending on the severity of the storm. It can also be difficult to find shelter facilities that can accommodate your specific needs. Getting the additional supplies you need quickly may not be possible at the last minute. Start now to create an evacuation plan for hurricanes that will work for you so that you’re prepared when the time comes. (All links have been reverified and updated as needed as of April 2024.)
Florida
Downloadable Disaster Guide for Floridians with Disabilities: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.volunteerflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DisasterGuide.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj_hPKs-ebrAhWvct8KHeBuDqoQFjARegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw1SzZp7FqzZLuuMHVRUay_H&cshid=1600028575566
Florida Special Needs Registry
https://www.floridadisaster.org/snr/
Georgia
Georgia Department of Health for evacuation assistance – Hurricane Registry for Those with Functional, Access, or Medical Needs:
https://www.gachd.org/emergency-prep/residents_with_special_needs_1/
South Carolina
From the site linked below: “Individuals who may need Medical Needs Sheltering (MNS) support during a disaster should call the DHEC Careline at 1-855-472-3432 to determine eligibility.”
https://scdhec.gov/disaster-preparedness/hurricanes-floods/sheltering-during-disasters
North Carolina
From the site linked below: “Contact your county emergency management office ahead of time, and tell them of your or your family member’s own needs. Ask about what help they can give.”
https://www.readync.gov/plan-and-prepare/functional-needs
https://www.readync.gov/plan-and-prepare/seniors
ALLIANCE OF DISABILITY ADVOCATES is a federally funded Center for Independent Living (CIL) serving Raleigh-Durham and the surrounding areas in North Carolina.
Alabama
From the site linked below: “Some local emergency management offices maintain registers of older people so they can be located and assisted quickly in a disaster. “
https://www.readyalabama.gov/ready-seniors
Mississippi
From the site linked below: “The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has several resources and information specifically tailored for people with disabilities and functional needs.”
https://www.msema.org/preparedness-2/persons-with-disabilities/
Louisiana
LA-DOH OCDD – Emergency Preparedness Information
NOLA – Plan For Emergencies: Seniors & People with Medical Needs
https://ready.nola.gov/plan/seniors/
NOLA special needs registry helps the City know who might need extra help during an emergency. Sign up for the special needs registry if you:
- Use life support systems, like oxygen, a respirator, a ventilator, dialysis, a pacemaker, or are insulin dependent
- Have trouble walking, moving around, or have a prosthesis
- Are blind, deaf, hard of hearing, or have trouble seeing
- Are on dialysis
- Have speech, developmental, or mental health disabilities
- Use service animals
“If you can’t evacuate on your own because of medical needs, you might be eligible to be picked up from your home. Create a Smart911 profile and fill out the medical section”
https://specialneeds.nola.gov/Signin?ReturnUrl=%2f
Texas
STATE OF TEXAS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY
For people in need of special assistance including those who do not speak English well, are hard of hearing, need powered equipment to survive, etc.
*New Link* S.T.E.A.R. Program: https://tdem.texas.gov/stear
Houston
https://www.houstonoem.org/pages/Prepare
Additional Items for Preparation
You can also find a list of additional items for your hurricane kit here.
