Being Prepared for Emergencies
OUR MISSION: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
OUR VISION: To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.
What is the preparedness planning?
And how can it help you?
The best time to prepare for an emergency is now! If you plan ahead, you and your caregivers can better cope with an emergency or disaster when it happens. An emergency or disaster may present unique challenges for people with disabilities and special needs. If you or someone you care for has a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family.
Right: Lean on Me Volunteer assisting with disaster planning
Important Numbers for Escambia County
NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Law Enforcement
Escambia Sheriff’s Office
850-436-9630
Pensacola Police Department
850-435-1900
Florida Highway Patrol
850-484-5000
Escambia County Fire Rescue Fire Rescue
850-475-5530
Ambulance
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
850-471-6400
ALL EMERGENCIES: 9-1-1
ANY EMERGENCY WHERE YOU WOULD NEED FIRE, POLICE, OR AMBULANCE DIAL 9-1-1
Emergency Management Citizen Information Line:
850-471-6600
Call this number to find out which shelter will be opened in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
City Of Pensacola NonEmergency Citizen Phone Line.
3-1-1 or 850-436-5555
• Report pot holes
• Issues in a park (garbage needs emptying; sprinkler broken, etc.)
• Neighbor’s grass is too high
• Other community issues that require city government attention
Northwest Florida United Way 2-1-1
Referral service connecting citizens to non-profit charitable services and resources
Animal Control
850-595-0097
Animal Shelter 850-595-3075
Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) 850-595-3228
When disaster strikes, Will you be ready?
Florida Department of Children and Families
1-866-762-2237
Florida Department of Health in Escambia County 850-595-6500
FPL Northwest FL 1-800-225-5797
Legal Services of North Florida
850-432-8222
Medicare
1-800-633-4227
Mosquito Control
850-937-2188
Pensacola Beach Public Works
850-932-5956
Escambia Public Safety 850-471-6400
Public Works (Roads & Bridges)
850-494-5860
Safe Neighborhoods 850-595-1829
Salvation Army 850-432-1501
Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 or 1-877-505-4550; TTY: 1-850-432-4625
Social Security Benefits Pensacola 850-438-9090
VA Clinic Pensacola (Veterans Affairs) 850-912-2000
Waste Management 800-284-2451
Waterfront Rescue Mission 850-478-4027
When disaster strikes, you may have only a short time to make what might be a life or death decision.
Left: Escambia County Animal Shelter Below: FDOH-Escambia Responders head out to assess hurricane damage.
Preparedness
For individuals and caregivers.
The best time to prepare for an emergency, is now! An emergency or disaster may present unique challenges for people with disabilities and/or special needs. If you, or someone you care about, has a disability or special need, you may need to take additional steps to prepare for the unexpected.
What you need to get ready for an emergency or disaster.
1. Form a Personal Support Network: These are people who should be involved in your emergency planning as they can help you during an event. Your network should include friends, neighbors, family, caregivers and co-workers. You may consider giving three, or more, of your trusted network members a key to your home. They should know where you store your emergency kit, and important papers. This is to ensure you have more than one person to call in the event of an emergency.
2. Complete a Personal Assessment. Make a list of your personal needs, and how to meet those needs, during a disaster. Think of what you are physically able to do for yourself, and what assistance you may need during and after the event.
*Things to consider: daily driving needs, personal care/personal care devices and electricity dependent equipment, debris clean up, transportation, possible blocked roads, and evacuation if necessary.
3. Get Informed. Know about hazards that may threaten your community (tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, etc.). Be informed of your community disaster plans and warning systems. Florida citizens with disabilities and special needs should be registered with the county Emergency Management office.
Right: Emergemcy Preperation Kit
4. Make a plan. Creating a plan for you and your family should only take about 30 minutes.
5. Create an Emergency Supply Kit. When a disaster strikes, you will not have time to shop for essential items. If you are evacuating or sheltering in place, there are basic items you need. Remember to review the contents of your kit at least once a year to replace any expired items.
6. Caregivers can help you prepare. Caregivers should consider the following when helping persons with disabilities or special needs prepare for a disaster situation:
• Equipment needed to support breathing (oxygen, CPAP)
• Equipment needed for feeding or eating (tubefeeding equipment, blender, special utensils)
• Special food for dietary needs
• Mobility aids (walker, wheelchair, cane)
• Regular medical treatments/ regimens (wound care, nebulizer)
• Personal monitoring equipment (glucose meter, pulse/oxygen meter, blood pressure meter)
• Personal care equipment (toilet booster, shower chair)
• Back-up energy sources for electricity-dependent equipment
• Step-by-step instructions and schedules for others who may have to step-in as caregiver
Check-List
Emergency Supply Kit
Small Waterproof Storage Container - for important documents/papers you may need to take with you in the event of evacuation, along with….
F Extra set of keys – home, car, RV, storage facility, etc.
F Whistle
F Note pad and pencil/pen
F Cash and Credit Cards – Banks and ATM’s may not be available for extended periods of time. Make sure cash is in small bills
Important documents
F Driver’s License/State Identification Card
F Social Security Card
F Bank Account information
F Notebook of resources and phone numbers
F Medical Insurance Cards or Medicaid/Medicare Cards
F Other Insurance documents (home, car, etc.)
Instructions regarding care and medication
F List of all medication and dosages
F Pharmacy contact information
F List of all doctors
F List of medical device/equipment and supply vendors
F List of serial numbers for medical devices/equipment
F 2 weeks supply of all prescription and nonprescription medications, but 30 days is better
F Proper DNRO if applicable (Do Not Resuscitate Order)
Prepare before the storm
Pack and emergency supply kit
Inform out-of-town family and friends of your emergency plans. Stay in contact.
Review your emergency plans each year with family members.
Have a supply of cash
Know your evacuation zone, and the routes
Fuel your vehicles before evacuating Install storm shutters or cover windows with plywood, secure all doors.
Large Storage Container – to keep all supplies in one place
F Water – 1 gallon per day/per person for 3-7 days
F Food – enough for 3-7 days
F Food for special dietary needs
F Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juice
F Snack food
F Non-electric can opener
F Paper plates / plastic utensils
F Hand Sanitizer
F Soap to wash feeding equipement
F Extra water
Basic First Aid Kit
F Adhesive bandages
F Bug repellent
F Aspirin
F Pain Relievers
F Rubbing Alcohol
F Hydrogen peroxide
Bring all outdoor objects indoors, such as patio furniture and plants.
Other items to consider:
F Extra blankets
F Extra set of eyeglasses
F Extra batteries (hearing aid, AA, etc.)
F Clothing - seasonal / boots / rain gear
F Toiletries - hygiene items / baby wipes
F Flashlights and batteries
F Radio and batteries
F Telephones – cell phone fully charged with fully charged portable charger
F Toys, Books, Games
F Household tools
F Duct Tape
F Extra battery for motorized equipment (wheelchair)
Check-List
Don’t forget to prep for your pet
Service Animal / Pet Preparedness
F Food and Water for 5-7 days
F Prescription medication and instructions for special needs
F Non-electric can opener
F Harness and leash (for both cats and dogs)
F Animal carrier or kennel for each pet.
F Unbreakable food and water bowls
F Litter & litter box or newspaper
F Pet toys
F Veterinary records
F ID tags (shots, name, contact info etc.)
F Pictures of your pet (in case you get separated)
Escambia County has a pet-friendly shelter for household dogs and cats only. During a disaster, the shelter location will be posted on the Escambia County Storm Shelter website. The pet-friendly shelter should be a last resort – please identify other locations to shelter pets prior to a disaster. Space is limited at the pet-friendly shelter. Pet owners must stay in the adjacent shelter and must care for their own pets.
Service animals may accompany their owners in general or special needs shelters.
Don’t Be scared, be prepared.
F Have a plan. Do not wait until the last minute to form an evacuation plan when you have the additional responsibility of planning for your pet(s).
F Confirm your plan 24 hours before you will need to evacuate in the event things have changed.
F Bring all pets inside the house so you will not have to search for them should you need to leave in a hurry.
F Make sure all pets are wearing their collars and I.D. tags. Be sure the I.D. tag has your cell phone number on it if you and your pet become separated.
F Keep all dogs securely leashed and cats in sturdy carriers during travel. Even a usually calm pet may panic and try to escape or bite in a stressful situation.
Worksheet
Medications
Prescriptions
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Over-the-counter
Medication:
Dosage:
How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
Medication:
Dosage: How Often:
*Over-the-counter includes medications, supplements, and vitamins.
Health care providers
Doctor: Specialty: Phone:
Doctor: Specialty: Phone:
Doctor:
Specialty: Phone:
Doctor: Specialty: Phone: Doctor: Specialty: Phone:
Doctor:
Specialty: Phone:
Home Health Info:
Dentist: Phone:
Pharmacist: Phone:
Veterinarian: Phone: Insurance
Phone:
Phone:
Phone:
Emergency Contact Name:
Telephone:
Cell Phone:
Email:
Out-Of-Town Contact Name: Telephone:
Cell Phone:
Email:
Neighborhood Meeting Place:
Out-Of-Town Meeting Place:
Other Important Information:
Special Needs Shelter
If a major disaster occurs, some medically dependent individuals may need to seek shelter at the Special Needs Shelter (SpNS). This shelter is a place of last refuge. The evacuee will not receive the same level of skilled care they are accustomed to and conditions in the shelter can be stressful.
When coming to the Special Needs Shelter, the following are REQUIRED:
F One caregiver – can be a relative, household member, guardian, friend, neighbor, or volunteer
F Personal bedding – air mattress, pillow, sheets, blanket
F Prescription medication for 72 hours (3 days), but 30 days is better
F Oxygen for 72 hours (if applicable)
F Name and phone number of evacuee’s physican
F Identification card
F Copy of evacuee’s plan of care
F Special dietary items, nonperishable food and water, for 72 hours (1 gallon of water per person/per day)
F Personal hygiene items for 72 hours
F Extra clothing for 72 hours
F Flashlight and extra batteries
F Self-entertainment (books, magazines, quiet games)
F Glasses, hearing aids and extra batteries, prosthetics and any other assistive devices
F The caregiver will receive floor space and must bring their own bedding, food, water, and supplies. There is only room for one caregiver at a time. Other family members and friends should go to a general population shelter.
F Caregivers who regularly assist the special needs evacuee are expected to continue to give the same level of care in the shelter.
Shelter Locations
Global Learning Academy
100 North P Street
Pensacola, Florida 32505
Jim Bailey Middle School 4110 Bauer Road
Pensacola, Florida 32506
Molino Park Elementary School-Pet Shelter
899 Highway 97 Molino, Florida 32577
Northview High School 4100 West Highway 4 Century, Florida 32535
Pensacola Bay Center 201 East Gregory Street Pensacola, Florida 32502
Beulah Middle School 6001 West Nine Mile Road Pensacola, FL 32526
Special Needs Shelter: Success Academy Building 9, 25 & 26 7045 Wymart Road Pensacola, Fl 32526
Evacuation Zones
When Evacuating
9 Evacuate quickly and in daylight if possible.
9 Tell someone outside the warning area where you are going.
9 Follow the official evacuation routes.
9 Have a back-up plan in case you cannot reach your “safe place.”
9 Keep a full tank of gas in your car.
9 Be alert for wshed out roads and bridges.
9 Do not drive in flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines.
9 Consider the needs of children, elderly, and pets.
9 Visit www.floridaevacuates.com for statewide evacuation and shelter information.
EVACUATION ZONE
Surge up to 7 feet above ground level
EVACUATION ZONE
Surge up to 10 feet above ground level
EVACUATION ZONE
Surge up to 15 feet above ground level
A
B
C
D EVACUATION ZONE
Surge up to 20 feet above ground level
E EVACUATION ZONE
Surge up to 20+ feet above ground level
Special Needs Shelter Registration
What you need to know.
This registry is for planning purposes only and will not initiate any automatic services on behalf of the registrant. This registration is voluntary, and all registrations expire after one year and must be updated on the anniversary of the registration.
There are a couple of ways to preregister for the Special Needs Registry:
1. You can apply online at https://snr. flhealthresponse.com/
2. Call Escambia County Public Safety at 850-471-6400 and have them mail you an application. Once finished you can mail the application back to this address:
Escambia County Special Needs Registry 6575 North W St. Pensacola, Fl 32505
Home health agencies or local physicians will also have access to the registration forms if necessary.
The Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) may provide transportation
round trip from your home to the shelter only upon request. When registering, reference specifications, including wheelchair accessibility. Contact ECAT for more information at 850-595-3228.
Once it has been determined the special needs shelter will open, spaces will begin to fill, and we do not accept any reservations or save any space.
There are guidelines to determine if you are qualified to attend the special needs shelter. All registrants will be medically screened upon arrival at the shelter for proper shelter placement. If your medical needs exceed our capabilities, we will have to send you somewhere that can fulfill those needs.
If you have a question about which shelter will best accommodate your needs, discuss with your physician, and call the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County at 850595-6500, ext. 2200.
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