It's About Choice!

When the summer comes in Florida, hurricane season comes with it. While many people think about buying the necessities, such as water, before a hurricane hits, few people take advantage of the Pinellas County Evacuation Assistance Program. In 2004 many people with disabilities found themselves in search of an evacuation plan as Hurricane Charley was projected to land on the Pinellas coast. Many residents with disabilities called for a costly ambulance ride out of harm’s way because they had not thought ahead. Others flooded the special needs shelters which are often unable to meet the needs of many people with disabilities.
If you are a person with a disability who may need special or expanded services, this reminder is for you. In order to receive transportation when you need to evacuate because of a hurricane, you need to register for the Pinellas County Evacuation Assistance Program. There are several different ways to register:
www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/Local.htm and click on the Special Needs Form link, fill out the forms and send them to 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave. Room #111 Clearwater, FL 33765
Look for the link on www.cascil.org, fill out the application, and send it to the above address
Call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800
Call or go to the Administration Office of any Main Fire Department and ask about registering in the Evacuation Assistance Program
Fill out the insert in your Catalyst and send it to the address listed above
After you fill out and return the required forms, you will be notified as to whether or not you have been accepted into the Evacuation Assistance Program. After notification, the Health Department will assess your needs in case of a hurricane. You will then be assigned an assistance plan and a shelter or hospital that will meet your specific needs in the case of an evacuation. If there is a hurricane in the area, the Department of Transportation will manage all of the local means of transportation and use their vehicles to transport to safety those who have registered in the Evacuation Assistance Program. Some things to keep in mind before applying for the program:
The Evacuation Assistance program is available to anyone seeking assistance in case of a natural disaster.
Income is not part of the criteria
We urge you to seek Evacuation Assistance if you do not have a viable way to get out of the area in case of a hurricane. If you have any questions feel free to call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800.

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