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SHELTER ISSUES FACING THE SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUAL |
Before you make a decision to NOT leave when an evacuation is called, please consider some key points:
1. Electricity may be off for long periods of time.
2. Water may be off or not safe to use.
3. Many hospitals and EMS systems may be severely limited or overwhelmed.
4. Local American Red Cross shelters will probably not be opened until they are cleared to re-enter the area, and then they will still be trying to maintain the shelters in the northern evacuation receiving area.
5. Be aware of the flood zone in which you live and prepare for even more water.
6. Usual food and supply services will not be available.
SHELTER SUGGESTIONS
FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUAL
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*LEAVING THE AREA AHEAD OF THE FORMAL CALLED EVACUATION IS STRONGLY SUGGESTED FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS INDIVIDUAL.POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1. Make arrangements for shelter in cities north of Jasper,Tx.
2. Lufkin,Tx and Nacogdoches,Tx are the two primary evacuation receiving cities.
3. Talk with your home health agency to see if they can provide any assistance in identifying possible shelters.
4. Stay with family or friends in the evacuation areas, if possible.
5. Prior arrangements for hotel or medical facilities is strongly suggested.
6. Relying on American Red Cross (ARC) shelters is not suggested unless self care can be done. Most ARC are not setup at facilities equipped or comfortable for a special needs individual. Also, ARC volunteers in the shelter are not usually trained to deal with special needs problems.
7. Listen for announcements of a Special Needs Shelter becoming available.
8. Bring your disaster supply list items with you. Make sure you have all your medically related supplies and medicines.