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Special Needs Shelters

Osceola County Emergency Management

Hurricane Season – 2025

As another hurricane season is upon us, keep yourself and your loved ones safe after the storm by following the CDC’s safety tips. Safety Guidelines: After a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm.

A disaster can strike at any time - sometimes without warning. It is important for every Floridian, especially citizens with physical challenges and other special needs, to plan ahead for an emergency situation and know what to do in the event of an emergency.

We offer resources and information specifically tailored for people with disabilities/special needs and their families to help prepare for emergencies, protect themselves, and be survivors.

For information on preparedness planning, evacuation, and shelters, please refer to these resources.

Don't put off until tomorrow what you can plan for today!

Special Needs Shelter Eligibility

  1. You are a person with special medical needs.
  2. Your care exceeds the basic first aid provided at general population shelters.
  3. Your impairments or disabilities are medically stable and do not exceed the capacity, staffing and equipment of the special needs shelter to minimize deterioration of your pre-event level of health.

Special Needs Shelter Policies and Requirements

  • It is required to apply for a special needs shelter annually.
  • Special Needs Shelters are for clients and their designated care giver only. Accommodations for the rest of your household will likely need to be in a general population shelter.
  • Application DOES NOT automatically guarantee assignment. Final special needs shelter admittance will be made upon arrival at the shelter based on your current medical condition.
  • Clients must provide their own medication, medical equipment and at least 24 hours of oxygen. Current medical information will be required.
  • Animals are not allowed in a special needs shelter, with the exception of registered service
    animals. If you are unable to make private arrangements for your pets, please let us know.
    Transportation will be provided to take your pet to be sheltered by Osceola County Animal
    Services. Please have your animal's vaccination records available.

Special Needs Shelter Application

  1. Review the Osceola County needs application instructions and checklist.
  2. Complete registration one of three ways.

Questions? Call us at: 407-742-9001

Remember — just because you have a disability does not mean you will require a Special Needs Shelter. Some people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter.

The best places to shelter for every Floridian are:

  1. With friends or family
  2. In a safe structure
  3. Outside of the evacuation area