Special Needs Shelters

If an emergency requires sheltering, staff members set-up a shelter for Monroe County residents who are enrolled on the special needs shelter registry, run by Monroe County Emergency Management.

Eligible conditions for the special needs shelter include, but are not limited to:

• Being dependent on supplemental oxygen
• Limited mobility
• Needing assistance with daily activities such as feeding, medications, and hygiene
• Moderate dementia
• Cognitive impairment
• Immobile or wheelchair bound
• In need of wound care and/or in need of constant supervision

All applications will be reviewed by medical staff from the Florida Department of Health and assessed for program eligibility. Ineligible applicants will be referred to applicable sheltering options, which may include a general emergency shelter, specialized medical facility, or nursing home.

• Learn more about eligibility and registration for the special needs shelter.

Emergency Go-Kits

We encourage you to make an emergency go-kit, today, as most emergencies strike with little to no warning. It can be difficult and even stressful to acquire the necessary supplies at the last minute.

Being prepared will save you time and energy when a disaster strikes. Here are items that we recommend including in your go-kit:

• Water (at least one gallon a day per person)
• Non-perishable packaged or canned food (enough for at least 3 to 7 days)
• Any necessary medication (enough for two weeks)
• Written instructions for care and medication (including medication dosages, a list of medical devices you use and a list of your doctors);
• First aid kit
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Pet care items (including any pet medications)
• Extra set of keys
• Important documents (stored in a waterproof container)
• Other necessary supplies

Once you have made your go-kit, be sure to keep it in an accessible location. That way, you can easily grab it and go!