Special Needs Shelter

The Charlotte County Special Needs Shelter is a shelter of last resort for people with constant medical needs. The shelter provides for safety and limited basic medical needs assistance during an emergency. This shelter is for residents that do not require hospitalization, use supplemental oxygen on a daily basis, use equipment that is electrically dependent, have moderate cognitive conditions, and have access/functional needs such as (deafness, blindness, and mobility difficulties). 

Advance registration is required. Contact Charlotte Emergency Management Services at 941-833-4000 to confirm eligibility. The registration can be completed online. 

Only service animals are allowed at the special needs shelter. Personal pets can be sheltered at alternate refuge sites such as community animal shelters or alternate pet friendly homes. Plan a safe place to take your pets before a disaster strikes. According to Florida Statutes 413.08, “service animal” means an animal that is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work done or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability

What to bring to the shelter:

• A homecare giver (relative/friend/nurse aid).
• Personal and medical information
• Daily prescription/non-prescription medication for at least 7 days
• Special items such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, back-up oxygen tank, or special dietary food
• At least a week's worth of clothing, including a warm jacket or sweater
• Blanket, pillow
• Personal hygiene items such as towel, washcloth, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, soap, diapers
• Plastic bags for soiled items
• Books, magazines, games
• Drinks and snacks
• Your yellow printed "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) Documentation
• Home medical equipment 
• Mobility Equipment (cane, walker, wheelchair, etc.)
• Shampoo and conditioner to personal hygiene items

Please write your name on all personal items.

Print a copy of this Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs Residents tip sheet.