General Shelters 

General Population Shelters should be considered as the first place of sheltering. General shelters serve as essential havens during times of crisis, providing refuge and support to individuals and families facing emergencies. General shelters are staffed by dedicated volunteers and professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of their occupants.

General Pupulation Shelter
Turner Center 
2250 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL 34266

Special Needs Shelter Information  

A Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) is a shelter of last resort for people who need more medical supervision than a general population shelter can provide due to special medical needs, but do not require hospitalization. These shelters are equipped with specialized resources and trained personnel to cater to a range of unique needs, such as mobility challenges, medical conditions, sensory sensitivities, and cognitive differences. A person with special needs is someone who during an evacuation, either mandatory or voluntary, will require assistance that exceeds the basic level of care provided at the general population shelter, but will not require the level of skilled medical care provided at institutional facilities.

Before a disaster, it is recommended that people with special needs speak with their doctor about how to handle their medical needs in case of evacuation. They should consider whether it is better to leave the area or go to a suitable facility like a general or special needs shelter for care. This may include having a month’s supply of their prescriptions readily available, arranging for special medical equipment, and/or potential admittance to a licensed healthcare facility.

For those individuals requiring additional medical care, the special needs shelter offers services to the community on a first-come, first-served basis.  During a disaster, decisions on admittance to the SpNS are made upon arriving at the shelter. In addition, each client should be accompanied by a caregiver and the caregiver must always remain with the client. Caregivers can be relatives, household members, guardians, friends, neighbors, and volunteers. Medical assessments are NOT conducted at the time of pre-registration. Any special dietary needs, medications, medical supplies, and specialty bedding/beds must accompany each client to the special needs shelter. Cots are available for the client as they are limited in supply and space.

MTM Transit will be available for transportation to and from the shelter for those who call. You can reach their office at 1-800-260-0139.   

Special Needs Shelter
South Florida State College
2251 NE Turner Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266 

Special Needs Registry 

The Florida Division of Emergency Management operates the Florida Special Needs Registry. Those who have special medical needs are asked to pre-register with the DeSoto County Emergency Management Department online at the Florida Special Needs Online Registry. 

Registrants will be required to update/review their registration each year by the anniversary of their registration to remain on the registry and to revalidate their eligibility and transportation needs. Once it has been determined that the special needs shelter will open, spaces may fill quickly. The special needs shelter does not accept reservations nor does the registry save shelter spaces for individuals. Each person will be assessed by a medical professional upon arrival to determine if they have medical conditions that qualify them for special needs sheltering. 

Items to Take to any Public Shelter 

If you go to a public shelter, you will need to take the following items to support you and your family for at least four days:

• A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
• Toiletries and personal items
• Blankets or sleeping bags and pillows
• ID and any important papers
• Games, toys or books for children
• Books for adults
• Special items for infants or elderly family members
• Any special dietary needs & non-perishable foods for snacks
• Battery-operated radio, flashlights and plenty of spare batteries
• Prescription medications or any over-the-counter medications you normally take 

*It is recommended to speak with a physician on specific items to take to a public shelter*