Any Orange County resident who meets the established eligibility criteria may register. Registration forms can be obtained by calling one of the following:

• Special Needs Registration Line (407) 650-4047
• Orange County Office of Emergency Management (407) 836-9140
• Area Home Health Care Agencies
• Area Hospice Agencies
• Area Medical Equipment Suppliers

Information collected during the registration process is confidential by law and will only be given to emergency responders who are providing for your needs during the emergency.

Where will I go if I must evacuate from my home?  

Orange County has 3 designated Special Needs Shelter sites. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local television and radio stations for the nearest shelter openings. A shelter site may not be utilized for every emergency situation, citizens are encouraged to monitor the local TV and radio stations for specific shelter locations at that time.

During times of emergencies/disasters, Orange County staff will be utilized to contact each special needs registrant to 1). verify they are still in the area and need assistance, and 2). verify what the registrants' needs are at that time.

What should I take with me to a shelter and can I bring my pet(s)?  

In addition to the standard items in a disaster supplies kit, persons with special health/medical needs should take their medications, extra medical equipment/supplies (such as oxygen, nebulizers, etc), personal hygiene items, special dietary foods/snacks, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders and your caregiver(s).

Family members provide vital moral support and assistance during times of emergencies/disasters and are encouraged to accompany the special needs individual to the shelter.

Unless, the animal is a certified guide dog or companion animal, pets are not allowed in shelters. Call Orange County's Animal Services at 352-4390 to request information on developing a plan for your pet(s).

My mother is in a nursing home, does she qualify for the special needs program?  

No. Nursing homes and other licensed residential health care facilities are mandated by law to have a plan for providing for the needs of their residents during times of emergency/disaster.

Why can't I go to the hospital around the corner?  

Local hospitals must maintain the capability to provide for the needs of the very sick or those with life-threatening injuries. Unless you have a life threatening health/medical condition requiring continuous medical attention, you should go to the designated Red Cross or Special Needs Shelter.