• The Seminole County Special Needs Program is a voluntary program for residents, allowing Emergency Management to identify vulnerable individuals requiring extra assistance. Residents with special medical needs such as electricity to operate a medical device, refrigeration needs for medications, an enhanced level of wound care, or other eligible criteria should register at Seminole County Special Needs. A caregiver may also register on behalf of the resident.
• Emergency Management recommends using this program only as a "last resort" and individuals with special needs should consider sheltering with relatives or friends prior to the use of a shelter.

• ASL/Deaf: - Special Needs Program Video

 Last Updated: September 23, 2022 7:55pm

• Learn the types of disasters most likely to occur in your community, especially in flood-prone areas.
• Consider purchasing a weather radio to alert you of severe weather conditions.
• Have enough supplies for a minimum of three days (preferably one week).
• Know how, when and where to shut off water, gas and electric at the main sources to your home; if you lose services, turning the utility off can prevent issues once service is restored. Post emergency and utility provider numbers by the phone.
• Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage, for example, is not covered by homeowner's insurance.
• Contact your child's school or daycare to determine the facility's emergency notification and evacuation plans.
• Ask what type of authorization is required to release a child to someone else if you are not available to pick them up.
• Plan your evacuation route.
• Make arrangements for pets or livestock in advance. Make sure your pet has a license tag and a collar, and use a break away collar for cats.
• Identify the safest area of your home in the event of severe weather; a lower-level space with no windows is preferred. If your home is unsafe during a tropical storm or hurricane, consider staying with a friend or family member. Emergency shelters should be considered a last resort. 
• Plan how your family will stay in touch if you become separated. Select an out-of-state contact for your family.
• Include your children in the planning process and discuss any fears they may have.
• Share Information with your family. 

 Last Updated: July 2, 2021 6:34pm

CONTAINER / STORAGE OPTIONS
Store your emergency kit in a water-resistant or waterproof container to prevent damage. Suggested containers include:

• Large, covered trash container
• Camping backpack
• Duffle bag
• Plastic, snap lid container sold at most variety stores

WATER
Plan for a five day supply of water, and prepare for one gallon of water per person per day. Remember that water will be used not only for drinking, but also for food preparation and sanitation. Containers for water include, but are not limited to:

• Large thermos-type containers filled with tap water
• Empty plastic gallon water containers, such as the type sold at grocery stores containing commercial spring or distilled water (these containers are reusable if they have "screw on" type lids)
• Pre-bottled water (should be replaced every six months)
• Fill bathtubs with water for sanitation use

FOOD
Plan for a five-day supply of non-perishable foods:

• Plan to use non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration and need minimal preparation and water
• Use canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Use canned sternos for foods that require heating

FIRST AID KIT 
During disasters we are more prone to injuries. Sources of injuries are plentiful: debris, broken glass, and hanging objects such as tree limbs. Also, without proper sanitation, illness can occur to healthy people. Two kits are recommended, a kit for your home and a travel kit for each vehicle.

• Sterile adhesive bandages and roller bandages in assorted sizes
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Soap and cleansing agent
• Several pairs of latex gloves
• Sunscreen
• 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 of each)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades
• Petroleum jelly

NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Be sure to include comfort items, including:

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Syrup of Ipecac (causing vomiting if advised to do so by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (used under the advice of the Poison Control Center)
• Medicine dropper

TOOLS AND GENERAL SUPPLIES

• Mess kit, paper cups, plates and utensils
• Emergency information (pamphlets, brochures and other reference material)
• Cash, checks and change (if electrical power is lost, credit cards cannot be used)
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Manual can opener
• Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
• Tube tent
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Wrench
• Tape (duct and masking)
• Compass
• Matches in waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic bags of various sizes (with zip lock top)
• Signal flare
• Needles and thread
• Whistle (to signal)
• Plastic sheeting
• Various area maps

SANITATION

• Toilet paper
• Towelettes
• Liquid soap and detergent
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Plastic bucket with tight lid (can serve as a toilet)
• Plastic garbage bags (toilet inserts)
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

CLOTHING AND BEDDING

• Several days change of clothing
• Several pairs of strong shoes
• Rain gear
• Blanket or sleeping bags
• Cots or lounge chair
• Hat and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Thermal underwear in the winter

SPECIAL NEED ITEMS 
Ask your doctor and pharmacist about storing prescription medicines. Remember the requirements of those family members with special needs. These can vary from dietary to walkers, and baby formula to prescription medicines.

BABY ITEMS

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Carriage or port-a-crib
• Familiar toys

ADULT ITEMS

• Prescription drugs
• Contact lenses and cleansing supplies
• Extra sets of glasses

ENTERTAINMENT

• Board games
• Books and magazines
• Playing cards
• Toys for small children

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Keep records in watertight plastic containers if possible. Documents to consider include:

• Wills
• Insurance policies
• Contracts and deeds
• Stocks and bonds
• Passport
• Social Security Card
• Immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers
• Inventory of valuable household goods such as pictures or videos
• Important telephone numbers
• Birth, marriage and death records
•  Last Updated: July 2, 2021 7:13pm

STAY INFORMED

• STORM ALERTS: Text Storm2022 to 888-777 to opt into text alerts on storm recovery.
• ALERT SEMINOLE: Visit AlertSeminole.org to register for emergency alerts (phone, text, and/or email). Participating residents will receive time-sensitive messages specific to their specified home or business location within Seminole County. Residents can unsubscribe to alerts at any time through their account.
• PHONE: Call the Seminole County's Citizens Information Line at 407-665-0000.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seminole County on Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram (@SeminoleCountyFL) to stay connected to Seminole County on social media.
• SGTV: Watch SGTV live on Spectrum channel 498, SeminoleCountyFL.gov/SGTV, or on YouTube.

 Last Updated: November 9, 2022 9:42am

• Under Florida Law, the Governor’s State of Emergency Executive Order 20-52 allows residents to refill their prescriptions early.
• Individuals with recurring prescriptions may obtain a 30-day early refill in order to ensure medications are on hand.
• This law is applicable even if the prescription has been recently filled; early refills will be noted to insurance companies and added to the patient's refill schedule. For example, if there are 10 days left on a prescription and a 30-day emergency refill was received, the patient must wait the full 40 days before the prescription may be filled again.
• Read the complete State Statute
• ASL Video: Prescription Refills

 Last Updated: September 29, 2022 7:54am

SANDBAG LOCATIONS

Empty bags and dirt will be available; operations are self-serve and individuals should bring a shovel and gloves.

COUNTY LOCATIONS
All County sandbag locations are CLOSED. 

SANDBAG USE

• PDF: Proper Use & Disposal of Sandbags
• Video: How to Use Sandbags
• Video: Sandbag Disposal 

SANDBAG DISPOSAL

If you filled sandbags before the arrival of Hurricane Ian or Tropical Storm Nicole, and you did not end up needing them/they did not get flooded, consider keeping them through the end of hurricane season (November 30) just in case. If you do wish to dispose of the sandbags, do not place them curbside for trash collection, even if they are from the County. Sandbags are your responsibility.  Here are the steps you need to take to properly dispose of your sandbags -

If your sandbags did come in contact with flood water:

• Do not re-use contaminated sandbags
• PPE or personal protective equipment such as eye ware and gloves should be worn while dealing with post storm sandbags. Sandbags may have been exposed to contaminated floodwaters and handled with caution.
• Contaminants may include petroleum, sewage and other chemicals
• Sewage contaminated sandbags should be delivered to the Seminole County Landfill
• Sandbags contaminated with petroleum and other chemicals may need to be disposed of as hazardous waste
• Contact Seminole County Solid Waste Customer Service for additional information (407) 665-2260

If your sandbags did not come into contact with flood water:

• Uncontaminated bags may be stored on your property for reuse in later events if properly dry. If wet mold can start to form.
• Burlap and plastic sandbags free of contaminants may be reused and distributed around your property.
• Uncontaminated sandbags may also be used in construction or other permanent earthen structures.
• If sandbags are clean and empty you may dispose of them with normal trash.
• Uncontaminated full sandbags may also be delivered to Seminole County Landfill

 Last Updated: November 11, 2022 8:38am

SHELTER OPENINGS

The following Seminole County shelters are open.

• GENERAL POPULATION & PET-FRIENDLY SHELTER: Lawton Chiles Middle School - 1240 Sanctuary Dr, Oviedo
• SPECIAL NEEDS & PET-FRIENDLY SHELTER: Bentley Elementary School - 2190 S Oregon Ave, Sanford

Emergency shelters should be used as a last resort; if possible, evacuees should stay with family or friends. Shelter clients will be assigned a space of 3’ x 7’; belongings should fit in this space if staying at a shelter. Cots are not provided at General Population Shelters.

MORE INFORMATION

• VIDEO: Understanding Shelters
• VIDEO: Special Needs Shelters
• BROCHURE: Understanding Shelters
• FAQ: Shelters
• VIDEO: ASL Shelter Location FAQ

 Last Updated: November 10, 2022 7:36am