Prepared for the Worst

All St. Pete residents should be prepared for emergencies, and people with disabilities need to make additional preparations to ensure their safety and comfort in the event of an emergency situation. An evacuation assistance program is offered to help local residents with special needs in the event of an evacuation due to a hurricane or other emergency situation. Residents MUST register before services are needed. Register for evacuation assistance on Pinellas County's website or call 727-551-3822.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

For more complete information on hurricane preparedness, visit the Hurricane Center page. 

American Red Cross

The Red Cross offers information on Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities  as well as Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults.

Center for Independent Living (CIL)

Residents who would like additional help in developing a Personal Disaster Plan should contact the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in their community. CILs are nonprofit organizations that provide services to help people with disabilities maintain their independence. 

Florida Administrative Code

Florida Administrative Code is online and searchable. Access to the full text of the rule on special needs shelters can be found by entering '64-3' in the search field "By Chapter Number."  

Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities provides information on emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Florida Disability Disaster Plan

The Florida Disability Disaster Plan web page is one of several tools available to help people with disabilities and their families develop a "Florida specific" Disaster Plan. Find county information on sheltering, plan creation, and videos.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration offers tips to help people who use medical devices.

Ready.gov

Ready.gov is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. The People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs page provides tips and tricks to help stay prepared. 

Senior Living Disaster Preparedness Guide

This senior living guide includes advice from experts on emergency preparedness for older Americans and explains how to assess the risk of a disaster, how to compile local resources, put together an emergency kit, and plan for disasters.  

Vial of Life

The Vial of Life project was developed for seniors to record information about their health status and needs for emergency personnel. The free health status form is available on the Vial of Life website.