Special Needs Shelters (SpNS) are defined as structures that have auxiliary power and are capable of providing 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 the time of disaster. The special needs services provided during an emergency are supplied, when practical, in an environment that can help to sustain pre-disaster levels of health. Special needs shelters are truly identified as facilities of last refuge of those persons in the community with health and medical conditions. The staffing, management and operation of a Special Needs Shelter are the shared responsibility of the Duval County Health Department (CHD), local Emergency Management (EM), County Government, Community Partnerships, Florida Department of Health and the Division of Emergency Management.

Special needs shelters are designed to allow for the care of people with the following needs: Persons with minor health/medical conditions or chronic conditions that require professional observation, assessment, maintenance and assistance with the activities of daily living, but who do not require institutional care Persons who require oxygen therapy but do not require institutional care Persons who need to take medications and/or have vital signs monitored and who are unable to complete these tasks without assistance Registration for a Special Needs Shelter is highly recommended to ensure the appropriate placement into a shelter. 

Duval County Special Needs clients can register for sheltering via the internet. The web site for special needs sheltering is: www.coj.net. Or they can call 630-CITY (2489), to register for Special Needs Shelters. It is important that those needing transportation or special needs care register with emergency management

 AS SOON AS THE NEED BECOMES APPARENT.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL AN URGENT SITUATION SUCH AS A HURRICANE OR WILDFIRE IS ON YOUR DOORSTEP. IT MAY BE TOO LATE!
 
Due to limited resources, it is strongly suggested that you pursue evacuation plans with family, friends, neighbors, church organizations, etc. If you live in a manufactured or mobile home park or condo, ask about your association’s disaster plan. If you must evacuate to a special needs shelter, you need to have a friend or relative accompany you as a caregiver. Persons requiring skilled nursing care, life support, etc. should discuss evacuation and sheltering needs with their doctor and health care agency PRIOR TO HURRICANE SEASON. Evacuation to a nursing home or hospital may be necessary. How do you know you can go to a Special Needs Shelter? You have a MEDICAL or PHYSICAL NEED that may require professional assistance during an evacuation and sheltering situation but do not require transportation. You have a MEDICAL or PHYSICAL NEED that may require professional assistance during an evacuation and sheltering situation and ALSO require transportation. Your ONLY RECOURSE is a shelter and/or you need TRANSPORTATION. Please note: If your only need is transportation, you will be sheltered in an American Red Cross Shelter.