Special needs program available for evacuation assistance

The town is encouraging residents with special needs to register for a voluntary program to assist them with evacuation during hurricanes and other emergencies.

Residents with medical conditions that limit their mobility, require assistance with daily living or have life-saving medical equipment that’s dependent on electricity should register for the People With Special Needs Program (PSN) in the county where they reside. The program is designed for individuals who have no other evacuation plan and need government shelter and/or transportation assistance during an evacuation or other emergency.

Upon qualifying for the program, residents will receive a letter of confirmation that identifies their evacuation destination. During an actual evacuation, special needs operators will notify residents of the evacuation order, confirm current medical and transportation information, and request that the resident be ready for transportation at a certain time.

Longboat Key Fire Rescue and county personnel will coordinate the evacuation of registered individuals.

To register in Sarasota County, call 861-5000 or visit www.co.sarasota.fl.us/emergencyservices/HurricanePrep/specialneeds.asp.
To register in Manatee County, call 749-3500, Ext. 1667 or visit www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/public-safety/emergency- management/special-needs.html
For information, call Longboat Key Fire Rescue at 316-1945.

Hurricane season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].