Special Needs Registry Overview and Registration Website

Special needs shelters are designed to meet the needs of persons who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelter. A special needs shelter is a place to go when there is no other sheltering option. Shelters may be activated during an emergency event to provide mass care for people who cannot safely remain in their home. Special Needs Shelters are intended to provide, to the extent possible under emergency conditions, an environment that can sustain an individual's level of health.

• If a person is medically stable but needs help with basic tasks or uses an electronic medical device and has no other evacuation options, they should pre-register for the special needs shelter. Follow this link below to register online: 

Online Special Needs Registry

Program Guidelines

People with disabilities are not required to go to a Special Needs Shelter. Some people with disabilities can be safely accommodated in a general population shelter. The capabilities of the Special Needs Shelter vary based upon a community's needs and available resources. Registering with the Special Needs Program automatically enrolls you in ALERT Collier for emergency communications.

Registration Criteria

1. People whose care exceeds the basic first aid provided at general population shelters
2. People who are reliant on oxygen or electricity for life sustainment
3. People with impairments or disabilities who are medically stable and do not require medical care

Note: All registrations for the special needs shelter are reviewed by a medical professional, and information may be verified with your medical provider.

See brochures below for further information on the Special Needs Shelter:

Location and Expectations for the Special Needs Shelter

• The Special Needs Shelter is setup at:
  • Palmetto Ridge High School
• Food and water are available, but shelters may not be able to accommodate special dietary needs.
• Shelter staff only offer basic medical assistance and monitoring
• Complex medical equipment or care is not available
• Clients and their caregivers will have a small sleeping area
  • Depending upon availability cots or chair may be provided
• Back-up electricity for light and essential medical equipment will be available
• The shelter can be crowded, noisy, boring, short-staffed and have little to NO privacy

What Happens During An Emergency If I Register?

Life safety is our number one priority. Completing the Florida Special Needs Registry does not automatically qualify an individual for the special needs shelter. Stay tuned to the local news, social media and family or friends who may be a good support system during a pending emergency.

Information will be provided by Collier County Emergency Management regarding evacuation and sheltering. When appropriate, a recorded emergency message may be sent to the phone numbers on file. Also, shelters with medical care for critical care patients are limited, for this reason, some registrants may go to a traditional shelter, while others may go to a medical facility. We reserve the right to use a different shelter. Together, we will come up with the best emergency option for you!

Registration Forms

Special Needs Shelter Registration must be completed and submitted annually. We invite home health agencies to use the electronic database above to better assist their clients. Please contact our office to request that a special needs shelter registration form be mailed to you or select one from below:

It is important that you complete the registration in its entirety as this is how placement determinations are made. 

Note: Those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities should not complete a special needs shelter registration as these facilities are obligated to provide care for their residents during an emergency.  

Pet Sheltering

Contact Us! 

If you have any questions about the Collier County Special Needs Program, or if you have a speaking request for your organization or group, please feel free to contact us. Our office hours are Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM. 

Amy R. Howard, FPEM
Human Services Program Coordinator
Email: emhumanservices@colliercountyfl.gov
Phone: (239) 252-3608
Fax: (239) 252-3700

Collier County Emergency Management
C/o: Special Needs Shelter Program
8075 Lely Cultural Pkwy; Suite 445
Naples, FL 34113