{"id":2852,"date":"2016-05-18T07:52:29","date_gmt":"2016-05-18T07:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ocfl.flywheelsites.com\/2016\/05\/emergency-preparedness-for-orange-countys-special-needs-community\/"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:12:18","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T17:12:18","slug":"emergency-preparedness-for-orange-countys-special-needs-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2016\/05\/emergency-preparedness-for-orange-countys-special-needs-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Emergency Preparedness for Orange County\u2019s Special Needs Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

Citizens who require transportation assistance should register their needs through
\nOrange County\u2019s Special Needs Program.<\/p>\n

The damage caused by forces of nature such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods can present real challenges for Orange County citizens who have physical, medical, sensory or cognitive disabilities.<\/p>\n

The same challenges apply to the elderly and other special-needs populations. It\u2019s important to prepare in advance for possible weather-related emergencies.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, the Orange County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System<\/a> is set up to provide optimal care and resources for those with special needs.<\/p>\n

Citizens who require transportation assistance or have no alternate means to evacuate their home and those who have a health or medical condition that requires attention by skilled medical professionals in a shelter environment should register their needs through Orange County\u2019s Special Needs Program.<\/a><\/p>\n

Carmen Weatherford, program coordinator for Orange County\u2019s Special Needs Program, said that people with special needs move to Orange County every year and have never experienced a hurricane or other disaster. It is imperative that registrations remain up to date. According to Weatherford, approximately 4,800 special-needs individuals are currently registered in Orange County. She stressed that the information is protected by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is only shared with emergency responders when a disaster strikes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best thing people can do is be prepared, especially those with special needs,\u201d Weatherford said. \u201cWe coordinate with other agencies to ensure that we are ready when disaster strikes. Being able to quickly identify those with special needs enables us to prepare transportation and get them to special-needs emergency shelters, which are equipped with the proper medical equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once in the system, Weatherford explained, individuals are reviewed based on either medical or functional need. Functional need means you have a medical need but are able to function on your own. Medical need means that you need assistance with day-to-day activities. This is important information for emergency responders to have when a disaster strikes so they can properly assist those with medical needs.<\/p>\n

Orange County has three designated special-needs shelter sites during an emergency. During a hurricane, for example, citizens are encouraged to monitor their local television and radio stations for specific shelter openings and locations.<\/p>\n

In addition to an automated phone message, a public service announcement is also made via radio and TV that specifically announces special-needs shelter locations. Residents are asked to call 311<\/a> if they require special-needs sheltering or transportation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe deploy a tremendous amount of equipment to shelters, including cots, wheelchairs, medication, oxygen and other medical supplies,\u201d Weatherford said. \u201cCurbside at each shelter, a nurse performs a mini triage and checks people in. Special-needs individuals are all assigned a cot and can bring their immediate family who reside with them at home to the shelter.<\/p>\n

According to Weatherford, even though the special-needs emergency shelters are fully stocked, you should try to bring the following supplies for your stay:<\/p>\n