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When disasters occur, people need to evacuate their homes quickly to get to safety. Due to their medical or other conditions, some Miami-Dade County residents will need assistance to do this. The Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (DEM&HS) has developed the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP), which is a registry of our neighbors that need help when an emergency evacuation is necessary.
Please fill out the application and return it to the address listed. Your vital medical information will help DEM&HS determine your eligibility for the program and the types of services you’ll need. Please have your doctor sign the form and then return it to DEM&HS. If eligible, you will be assigned to an appropriate facility, and a determination will be made on the transportation type. DEM&HS will then notify you in writing of your assigned location.
Additional Information
What are the benefits of registering?
All of the facilities and services utilized are planned to assist those residents that have registered. If county residents call at the last minute, all attempts will be made to assist them, but the people on the registry will have priority. If a sudden swift moving incident occurs, such as a wildfire, DEM&HS will be able to help you if you are already registered.
Who is eligible?
Miami-Dade residents who on a daily basis require skilled nursing care, assistance with daily living, or have life-saving medical equipment dependent on electricity should register with the EEAP.
What services are provided?
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Sheltering: Strengthened facilities are opened during an emergency called Special Needs Evacuation Centers, or SNECs. These SNECs will have trained county employees and healthcare staff who will provide minimal health assistance not available at general population evacuation centers. Generator-powered healthcare facilities shelter registrants who use medical equipment that is energy dependent. If you require a caregiver, that person should accompany you to the SNEC and stay with you.
However, should you be admitted to a hospital while being evacuated or at a shelter, then you will be responsible for the charges incurred once you are admitted as a patient of a hospital.
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Transportation: Some EEAP registrants are eligible for transportation that is provided by county departments. Liftgate buses and other specialized transportation will pick up those registered and take them to and from their homes to their assigned facility.
What happens when a disaster occurs?
Trained staff, using the contact information you provide on the application will notify you that an evacuation order has been issued. They will request that you be ready for transportation at a certain time. If a hurricane or other disaster is threatening, you should monitor the local media and stay alert. The County Mayor will issue a Local State of Emergency prior to a hurricane, which is your signal that you MIGHT be evacuated shortly after that.
What to take to a Special Needs Evacuation Center
Special Needs Evacuation Centers (SNECs) and Medical Management Facilities (MMFs) are refuges of last resort intended to house people out of harms way; they may be crowded and uncomfortable. There is no guarantee there will be electricity and you will have no privacy. Amenities are limited to basic nursing assistance, first aid care, bathroom facilities, food and water. You should prepare an evacuation kit with items to help make your stay more comfortable.
When Evacuating Bring The Following Items:
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All required medications and medical support equipment - Wheelchair/walker, oxygen, dressings, feeding equipment, diapers, etc.
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Any specific medication or instructions.
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Name, phone number of physician/home health agency/hospital where you receive care.
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Special dietary needs - Only regular meals will be provided.
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Sleeping gear - Pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs. Evacuation centers tend to be cold so bring a blanket or a sweater to keep warm.
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Important papers - i.e.: insurance papers, doctors orders.
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Identification - With photo and current address.
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Cash - Check cashing/credit card services may not be available for several days after the storm. But, don't bring too much! There will be no place to secure money or valuables at the center.
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Comfort items - Personal hygiene Items, snacks, small games, cards, diapers, etc.
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Extra clothing - An extra set of comfortable clothing and few extra sets of underwear and socks.
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Something to eat/drink - Though there is a food supply at the Special Needs Evacuation Centers it may take us several hours to prepare meals. You should eat a meal or prepare a snack to take with you before you leave your house. Bring some bottled water with you in case the water supply becomes contaminated.
**Please note that pets are not permitted at our Hurricane Evacuation Centers (HECs), People with Special Needs-Special Needs Evacuation Centers (PSN-SNECs), or People with Special Needs-Medically Managed Facilities (PSN-MMFs). However, in order to accommodate those evacuees with pets,Miami-Dade County has established Pet-Friendly Hurricane Evacuation Centers (PHECs). People who are interested in registering their pets should call Miami-Dade County Animal Services, or they can call 3-1-1 for an application. The PHEC application can be downloaded by visiting the Pet Disaster Preparedness webpage. It is required that at least one evacuee stay in the PHEC with their pet.
EEAP Contact Information
For more information, please call 305-513-7700 or email eeap@miamidade.gov.
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