Special Needs Program

Florida Statute requires County emergency management to provide the leadership and direction to effectively care for the community of special needs individuals in times of disaster.

Osceola County Emergency Management and partners have demonstrated consistent excellence in the planning and execution of the Special Needs Program.

The program includes annual registration and education for individuals with special needs. During periods of threatened conditions, Osceola County provides special needs sheltering for those who require sheltering. Partner organizations, such as the Osceola Council On Aging and the Department of Health, come together to ensure the utmost in care during a sheltering event.

Register for the Special Needs Program

Step 1.Read the Application Instructions and Checklist

Review application instructions and the Special Needs checklist.(PDF, 485KB)

Step 2.Complete Registration

You can complete registration online or

Fill out the Special Needs Registry Application(PDF, 754KB) and email to specialneeds@osceola.org, or deliver a paper form to:

Osceola County Emergency Management
Attention: Special Needs Registration
2586 Partin Settlement Road
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Videos

Emergencies for Floridians with Disabilities

Watch this Florida State Emergency Response Team video for information about reviewing available resources, capabilities, and needs; making evacuation plans and preparing evacuation supplies before a disaster strikes.

Special Needs Registry

This brief video from the Florida State Emergency Response Team has advice on what-to-do if you, or a family member, have special needs.

Emergency Supply Kit

Watch this Florida State Emergency Response Team video for additional information on what to keep in your emergency supply kit.

Evacuation Checklist

The Evacuation Checklist video from the Florida State Emergency Response Team provides information on what-to-do before you evacuate.


 

Special Needs Program Questions

What does Special Needs mean?

Persons with Special Needs are those with disabilities, medical problems or mobility problems that may need transportation assistance with evacuations or disaster sheltering in an emergency. Emergencies such as hurricanes can present a special challenge.

What will the Osceola County Special Needs Program provide for me?

Once you are registered with the program, in an emergency a vehicle will be sent for you to transport you to a public shelter or the hospital. You will be sheltered according to your needs.

How do I register for the Osceola County Special Needs Program?

Please call the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management at (407) 742-9000 from Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

What kind of paper work will I need to fill out?

A questionnaire will be sent to you to be filled out and signed. You will also receive a letter for your physician and your utility company. Discuss your condition with your physician to determine what will be best for you during an evacuation. Please have your doctor sign these letters, if they pertain to your condition. Once the paperwork is returned to Emergency Management, you will be entered into a computer registry.

Should I have a plan?

Yes. Protecting yourself and your family requires planning ahead of time.

How do I make a plan?

Meet with your caregiver to discuss the dangers of fire, severe weather, and other emergencies that may affect you. Decide what you will need to do for each type of emergency. Determine ahead of time what will be your alternative shelter, and how you will get there. Make a list of items you need to take with you in case of an evacuation.

Contact

Special Needs Program
specialneeds@osceola.org
Phone: 407-742-9001
Fax: 407-742-9022

Special Needs Shelters

Barney E. Veal Center
Primary - Special Needs Patients
700 Generation Point Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Central Ave. Elementary
Primary/Overflow for Special Needs Patients
500 W. Columbia Ave
Kissimmee, FL 34741

Oak Leaf Landing
Primary/PSN Shelter for Alzheimer's Patients
2350 N. Central Ave
Kissimmee, FL 34741

St. Cloud Community Center
Primary/Special Needs Patients Shelter
3101 17th Street, St
St. Cloud, FL 34769

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