The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) supports the health and medical needs of our most vulnerable populations during emergencies and disasters. We work closely with the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management, the Miami-Dade Medical Reserve Corps, and other response partners to ensure individuals who need assistance in maintaining their health during an emergency evacuation to a Special Needs Shelter, as in the event of a hurricane. Several local agencies and organizations share the responsibility of serving our vulnerable populations during emergencies. These partners, including the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management, American Red Cross, home health care agencies, hospitals, oxygen and durable medical equipment providers, and others, that work together to plan and execute response strategies and protocols.
DOH-Miami-Dade provides and coordinates medical and nursing support staffing and management in Special Needs Shelters. We urge the entire community, and especially individuals with special needs, to have a plan and make arrangements to evacuate your home prior to a disaster. Deciding to “ride out the storm” may be dangerous and could result in delay in receiving assistance directly after an event from Fire-Rescue and other agencies. Be pro-active with your health and safety and register by calling the phone numbers listed below.
Register with the Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)
The Miami-Dade County Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) gives evacuation assistance and provides transportation for those residents who are REGISTERED with EEAP to the Special Needs Shelter in the event of a hurricane approaching or other local disaster with voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders from the County Officials.
People to register includes, but is not limited to:
- People using oxygen
- People who have feeding tubes, feeding pumps or ostomies
- People who use electric-powered scooters or require assistance to move about
- People dependent on other electrical devices
To register for the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program, please call 305-513-7700, register online, or send an email to EEAP@MiamiDade.gov to request more information.
Please visit Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management for more information.
Special Needs Registry
Special needs shelters are for those with disabilities or who require medical care that exceeds basic first aid. Preregistration is important so emergency responders can ensure space is reserved for those with the greatest need.