Florida Department of Health to open special needs shelters for those in path of Helene

The Florida Department of Health on Tuesday announced preparations were underway to open special needs shelters in areas where this week's developing storm could make landfall.

According to a press release, those "with a disability or a special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, (need to) pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry" at snr.flhealthresponse.com . "You will need to log in with an existing account or create a new account."

Registering "allows local emergency management officials to provide important information and quickly assist you during an emergency."

Here's more from the department's release:

If you are eligible for a special needs shelter, you need to bring:

• List of medications and dosage
• A 30-day supply of medications
• Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent,
• Backup energy sources for essential medical equipment
• Any special dietary needs or food
• Personal information including photo ID, insurance card, list of emergency contacts and your primary care provider’s contact information

After completing the Florida Special Needs Registry, additional information will be provided to you by your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation and sheltering options available.

For more information on your local shelter status, please visit FloridaDisaster.org .

If you are a health care provider, email SNR@flhealth.gov to obtain a login for the special needs registry to ensure you are able to use all health care provider functions.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Department of Health to open special needs shelters for those in path of Helene