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 Sheriffs Office Division of Emergency Management today by calling (352)622-3205. There are currently 1119 people with special needs registered with the Sheriffs 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 Munroe Regional Medical Center and Ocala Regional Medical Center are prepared to admit any women beyond the eighth month of pregnancy to make sure any hurricane babies are delivered in a safe environment.