Special Needs Shelters (SNS)
Elderly, physically, mentally or sensory disabled, visually or hearing impaired residents or those who need supplemental oxygen should register for the Special Needs Shelter program with Volusia County Health Department. The program provides assistance during evacuations.
Evacuees should be accompanied by a caregiver if this type of assistance normally is needed.
Special needs shelters are not for people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, other complex care, or isolation patients. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver.
Special needs evacuees should contact Volusia County Animal Services at (386) 248-1790 to discuss assistance for sheltering pets.
SNS Registration for Volusia County residents
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SNS registration form and instructionsIf you prefer to have the form mailed to you may request one by contacting:
Volusia County Emergency Management
Attn: Special Needs
49 Keyton Drive
Daytona Beach, FL 32124
(386) 258-4088
Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for several days during an emergency. Since space is limited, only bring:
- Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food.
- Bedding, pillow, blanket, etc.
- Extra clothing.
- Medications and medical supplies.
- Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated Special Needs Shelter.
- Toiletry items.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities.
- Time occupier such as books, magazines, games or cards.
- Important papers, credit cards, cash and identification.
Transportation to shelters
Votran, Volusia County’s public transportation service, and the Volusia County School Board provide free transportation to public shelters. All Votran bus stops are evacuation assembly points during a declared emergency evacuation order. If Special needs evacuees cannot reach a regular bus stop, they must call Votran to arrange transportation.
Bus space is limited. Carry on items are limited to a pillow, blanket and one carry-on bag (not larger than 22”x16”x8”).
This guide provides a list of the Special needs shelters and telephone numbers for more information on the SNS Program, pet sheltering, and transportation.Telephone numbers for Votran are:
Daytona Beach (386) 322-5100
West Volusia (386) 943-7050
New Smyrna Beach (386) 424-6810
Returning home
Every effort will be made to allow evacuees to return to their home and businesses as quickly as possible. Re-entry to evacuated areas will be authorized based on public safety, security and operational needs of search and rescue teams. The re-entry policy will be established as soon as possible and with as few restrictions as possible. The decision to establish general re-entry will be evaluated through continuous coordination among county and state agencies, municipal law enforcement
agencies and adjacent counties and will be announced through the news media.
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