Special-needs shelters are available around Broward: SouthFlorida.com

Although this hurricane season has been slow so far, it's nowhere near over. Most people know the drill: buy hurricane shutters, have plenty of batteries, flashlights, bottled water and can food, know the evacuation route. But for those with special needs, including the frail and disabled elderly, options are available at both the city and county level to ensure safety in the event of a storm.

In Broward County, residents can sign up for the Vulnerable Population Registry, in which lists are provided to each city and give valuable information to city workers to serve this population better in the face of a storm.
"It's a centralized list that gets sent to the city so they can possibly help them with a plan," said Audrey Cohen, administrator for Broward County Healthcare Services. "Some cities very proactive and call the people on list."
Additionally, the county offers five special-needs shelters -- three for adults, one for 24-hour oxygen needs and one for children -- for about 900 people with minor health care monitoring needs. While registration is highly recommended, it is not required to sign up for a guaranteed spot in one of these specialized shelters.
"Our registration process helps us and the person; it helps us plan and gives the person a piece of mind so they're not worried about where they are going to go," Cohen said.
Registrants answer medical questions and can even ask for transport to the shelter. Space is limited, and registrants are encouraged to bring a caregiver for one-on-one attention and/or their families.
"People have different needs," Cohen said. "A lot of people who end up in our shelters are frail elders. Thankfully, we've never reached capacity."
Residents in need of a special-needs shelter who did not register can call to get a space if one is available. Those who did register should expect a call prior to a hurricane's landfall inquiring if the registrant is still interested, found alternative shelter or is out of town. Some Broward cities, including Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach, have implemented the CodeRed telephone notification system.
"Florida law requires that evacuation assistance be available to individuals with special needs," said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary E. Douglas Beach. "If you have special needs and family or friends are not available to help you evacuate, you may qualify for evacuation assistance services. If this is the case, you should register with the local emergency management agency before disaster strikes."

Important Web sites and phone numbers
Special Needs Populations: www.broward.org/atrisk
Vulnerable Population Registry: www.broward.org/registry, 954-831-4000
Special-Needs Shelters: 954-537-2888
Hurricane Guide: www.elderaffairs.state.fl.us/english/disaster