If I need assistance during an evacuation because I have special needs, what should I do?
If you or someone you know needs assistance during an evacuation because they have special needs and do not have family or friends to stay with, they should register for the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP). You can register for the EEAP program by calling 3-1-1 for an application or by downloading a copy of the application available on this website. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike—be sure to send your application NOW!
What are the benefits of registering?
All of the facilities and services utilized are planned to service those residents that have registered. If county residents call at the last minute, all attempts will be made to assist them, but the people on the registry will have priority. If a sudden swift moving incident occurs, such as a wildfire, the County will be able to assist you faster if you are registered.
Who is eligible?
Miami-Dade residents who on a daily basis require skilled nursing care, assistance with daily living, or have life-saving medical equipment dependent on electricity should register with the EEAP. Residents who live in a nursing home or an adult living facility (ALF) do not qualify for this program. Nursing homes and adult living facilities (ALFs) maintain their own arrangements for evacuating patients from their facilities.
What if I am dependent on oxygen?
Oxygen users registered in the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) are assigned to a hospital or nursing home as their evacuation site. Last minute callers to 3-1-1 once an evacuation order is issued are asked about oxygen needs and assigned to the appropriate special needs evacuation center, nursing home or hospital. Oxygen users must contact their medical equipment providers to make arrangements for extra oxygen tanks to be delivered prior to the storm’s arrival.
What services are provided?
Sheltering: Strengthened facilities are opened during an emergency called Special Needs Evacuation Centers, or SNECs. Trained county employees and healthcare staff who will provide minimal health assistance not available at general population evacuation centers. Generator-powered healthcare facilities shelter registrants who use medical equipment that is electricity dependent. A caregiver should accompany you to the SNEC or hospital and stay with you.
Transportation: Some EEAP registrants are eligible for transportation to the shelters. Liftgate buses and other specialized transportation vehicles will pick up those registered and take them to and from their homes to their assigned shelter.
I sent in my application for the EEAP program but have not heard anything about my acceptance. Should I be concerned?
Applications are processed as they arrive and a letter is mailed to you within 7-10 days to inform you of your status. If you gave your application to your doctor or home health agency, check with them to make sure they have mailed in your application. If you sent in your application more than two weeks ago and still have not received a letter, please call 305-513-7700 to verify your status.
Must I obtain my doctor's diagnosis and signature?
Yes. We utilize this information to determine the most appropriate facility to place you. If you do not provide this information, it will delay the registration process of your application.
I received a letter telling me that I do not live in an evacuation zone. What does this mean?
This letter means that you do not live in a hurricane evacuation zone and do not have to evacuate. Please follow your shelter-in-place plan. The only exception to this is if you live in a mobile home or use medical equipment that requires electricity. You are registered in the program in case of an isolated disaster such as a tornado or hazardous material spill near your home.
During an emergency, when should I go to the Special Needs Evacuation Center or my assigned hospital?
You will be called at home to notify you that an evacuation order will be issued. We will request that you be ready for transportation at a certain time. If a hurricane or other disaster is threatening, monitor the local media and stay alert. The County Mayor will issue an evacuation order prior to a hurricane, which is your signal that you might be evacuated shortly after that if your area is included in the evacuation order. Listen carefully to the evacuation order. If you are not told to evacuate, implement your shelter-in-place plan.
What should I bring with me?
Special Needs Evacuation Centers and certain hospitals are refuges of last resort intended to house people out of harms way; they may be crowded and uncomfortable. There is no guarantee there will be electricity and you will have limited or no privacy. Amenities are limited to basic nursing assistance, first aid care, bathroom facilities, food and water. You should prepare an evacuation kit with items to help make your stay more comfortable. When evacuating, please bring the following items:
All required medications and medical support equipment such as
wheelchair/walker, oxygen, dressings, feeding equipment, diapers, etc.
Any specific medications as well as instructions.
Name, phone number of physician/home health agency/hospital where you receive care.
Special dietary needs: Only regular meals will be provided.
Bedding: Pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs. Evacuation centers tend to be cold so bring a blanket or a sweater to keep warm.
Important papers: i.e.: insurance papers, doctors orders.
Identification: with photo and current address.
Cash: check cashing/credit card services may not be available for several days after the storm. Don't bring too much! There will be no place to secure money or valuables at the center.
A caregiver
Comfort items: Personal hygiene items, snacks, small games, cards, diapers, etc.
Extra clothing: An extra set of comfortable clothing and a few extra sets of underwear and socks.
Something to eat/drink: Though there is a food supply at the Special Needs Evacuation Centers it may take several hours to prepare meals. You should eat a meal or prepare a snack to take with you before you leave your house. Bring bottled water with you in case the water supply becomes contaminated.
Where do I report to within the facility?
If you are assigned to a Special Needs Evacuation Center (SNEC), you should report to the nurses at the entrance of the school. Bring an identification card with you.
If you are assigned to a hospital or nursing home, you should have already received a call from the facility to advise you where to report. If you have not received this call, please call 3-1-1.
How many people can I bring with me?
We ask that you bring ONE caregiver with you to either the SNEC or the hospital. It is important that the caregiver be with you because you will not receive individual care from the staff at the facilities. More than one person may be permitted in the SNEC if prior arrangements are made. However, no more than one caregiver is permitted in the MMF (hospital) unless approved by the program.
When I arrive, will I get a bed?
The SNECs do not have beds. There are a limited number of air mattresses and cots. If you require a bed, you may want to reconsider your evacuation options.
In the hospitals and nursing homes, there is no guarantee that you will receive a bed. This determination will be made by facility staff based on availability.
If I am registered for the EEAP program and do not have transportation, will I be picked up and taken to the shelter?
Transportation will be provided to individuals who require specialized service and who have no other options. For example, someone who requires a wheelchair lift or a person who is unable to get to a public bus stop due to a disability or mobility problems. You should be ready to go when your transportation arrives. Keep in mind, there will be no second trip if you refuse to leave at the time that your transportation arrives.
Who will take me home after the hurricane or tropical storm?
You should be going home in the same transportation in which you arrived.
Will I be billed for my stay there?
No, you will not be billed for your stay in the facility unless your medical condition worsens and you have to be admitted as a hospital patient. Should you be admitted to a hospital while being evacuated, then you will be responsible for the charges incurred once you are admitted as a patient of a hospital.
Who should I call if I have additional questions that have not been answered?
Please call the County’s Answer Center by dialing 3-1-1.
