Marion County has three shelters equipped to
serve people with special needs. In a disaster, these shelters will have alternate
power supplies, and medical personnel available, and will be equipped with
two
HAM radio operators to ensure constant communication with
the Emergency Operations Center.
Citizens are encouraged to seek safe shelter
with family or friends, and turn to pubic special needs shelters only as a last
resort. Individuals in special needs shelters are required to bring one
caregiver with them. However, this caregiver is the only individual who may
accompany the client, due to space limitations within the shelters.
If you will require special assistance during an emergency,
please register with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management
today by calling (352)622-3205. There are currently 1119 people with
special needs registered with the Sheriff’s Office. You do not have to be
preregistered to stay in a special needs shelter, but it will help the Division of Emergency
Management meet your needs.
Both local hospitals are also prepared to admit any women beyond the eighth month
of pregnancy to make sure any “hurricane babies” are delivered in a safe
environment.
