Shelter Living for Those With Special Needs

Disasters can happen any time and any place. You may not have much time to respond. A hazardous materials spill could mean instant evacuation of your neighborhood. A winter storm, tornado, flood or even earthquake could force you from your home.

You may be able to stay temporarily with friends or you may have to go to a shelter. If you must go to a shelter, the Red Cross recommends that you take along with you any special items for infant, elderly or disabled person care.

Guidelines for Shelter Living

Please remember these important points:

  • Be cheerful about the situation and your attitude will help the morale of the entire group. Rumors can spread quickly at a shelter and are usually very disruptive. Listen to official information only.
  • Do not bring pets to shelters. The only exceptions are dogs for the visually impaired. You may need to make other arrangements for your pets in advance to assure their proper care.
  • Shelters have a community environment that consists of a large number of people. It is important to be considerate and cooperative. Follow the instructions of the shelter management staff. Volunteer your services whenever possible. It will make the time go faster for you.
  • When you arrive at the shelter, give your name and address to the registration desk so you can be located when necessary. If you leave the shelter, please sign out at the registration desk.
  • You may experience a shortage or rationing of food and other important items in the early stages of a shelter. Be patient. If this occurs it will be temporary.

What to Bring to Special Needs Shelter

  • A battery-operated flashlight
  • A battery-operated radio
  • Blanket or sleeping bag and warm clothing
  • Bottled water (for taking medications, sterile procedures, for drinking to prevent bladder infections, etc.)
  • Canned food and opener
  • Extra batteries for flashlight and radio
  • Extra clothes, medic-alert bracelet
  • Life-sustaining medications (i.e., seizure, blood pressure, heart medications, insulin, ostomy dressings, etc.) to last through the disaster and recovery period.
    • There may be no phone service and pharmacies may close - Plan with your physician for emergency prescription refills
  • Provisions for guide or hearing dogs - Remember regular pets are not allowed in the shelters
  • Rehabilitative aids (eyeglasses, cane, brace, etc.)

Deaf / Hearing Impaired Individuals

For the deaf or hearing impaired, bring and use teleprinters to obtain emergency information or turn on the television for a captioned newscast. Remember to keep extra batteries for teleprinters.

Contact Us

For more information or presentations on a number of topics contact us at 402-441-7441.