CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – With hurricane season fast approaching, the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County is sounding the alarm for residents who might need a little extra help during a storm.
State health officials are urging anyone with a disability or a medical condition that requires assistance—but not a full hospital stay—to sign up for the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry immediately.
The window for the most intense tropical activity typically runs from mid-August through mid-October, making this the critical time to get paperwork in order. However, officials warn that simply signing up doesn’t mean you’re automatically in; once the registration is submitted, DOH-Citrus will review the information and notify applicants if they qualify for a spot.
For those who rely on electricity for medical equipment or need oxygen, these specialized shelters can be a literal lifeline during an evacuation.
READ: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Florida Officials Urge Action Ahead Of 2026 Hurricane Season
By joining the registry, residents allow local emergency management to track who needs help and get information to them quickly when a storm is brewing. To sign up, residents must create an account on the state’s registry website or log into an existing one.
For those deemed eligible, a go-bag is essential. The health department recommends packing a 30-day supply of all medications along with a detailed list of dosages. Other must-haves include backup power sources for medical gear, any specific dietary foods, and a folder containing a photo ID, insurance cards, and contact info for primary care doctors.
Once the registration process is complete, local emergency management will follow up with specific details on evacuation routes and available sheltering options.
Healthcare providers looking to assist their patients with the process are encouraged to email SNR@flhealth.gov to get a professional login for the system. For the most current updates on shelter status and local readiness, residents can head to FloridaDisaster.org or contact the Citrus County emergency management office directly.
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