SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Wednesday marks the beginning of hurricane season, and experts have already seen activity churning up in the tropics.
In Seminole County, emergency management officials are asking neighbors and loved ones of those with special needs to help get them registered for the Special Needs Emergency Shelter Program before any storms head toward Central Florida.
What You Need To Know
- Wednesday marks the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season
- Seminole County officials are urging residents with special needs to register for the county's Special Needs Emergency Shelter Program
- The county operates three special needs shelters
- For more information or to register, visit the shelter program's website
Those who register for the shelter program ahead of time will receive information on any evacuation orders or shelter openings, with details on how to get to the shelters as soon as they open.
Medical staff are on hand at all three Special Needs Emergency Shelters in the county, and transportation is offered for those who can’t get to them on their own.
“It is important for people to sign up ahead of time for our medically enhanced shelters so that they get the alerts as to what shelters will be opening, what to do to prepare for a potential storm and any well checks or if they need transportation,” said Seminole County Recovery Coordinator Victoria Colon.
Private information will be kept confidential for those who register for the program, officials said.
While this is an important resource, county officials said the shelters should be considered a last resort, as they do not provide greater levels of care given at a hospital or assisted living facility.
As of Wednesday, 1,900 people in Seminole County had already signed up for the program.
The registration form can be found on the program's website.
To register by mail, call (407) 665-5102 to request a registration form.