Town of Fort Myers Beach

...being prepared is everyone’s business

Special needs

· People with special dietary needs should have an adequate emergency food supply.

· It is a good idea to write down your support needs,    numbers, medical conditions, medications and dosages, allergies, special equipment and medical insurance.

· Medicare insurance cards as well as personal and medical contact details are important to have
available. Keep this list with you in emergencies and supply a friend with a copy.

· If you have a service animal, make sure that it is registered for a service tag.

· Disaster victims are likely to experience at least one of several emotional responses: anger, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, inability to concentrate,  hyperactivity, or increased alcohol or drug use.

 

Important note:  you must pre-register and have a caregiver accompany you to use a Special Needs Shelter.  Qualifications vary from county to county.  Consult your physician and /or local Emergency Management Office to see if you qualify.

 

MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS SUGGEST A NUMBER OF WAYS TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

 

· Talk about your feelings with family, friends and neighbors. These people are good medicine and  sharing common experiences helps people overcome anxiety and feelings of helplessness.

· Get back into daily routines as soon as you can, try to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

· Get some physical exercise every day.

· If you continue to have the symptoms described above for an extended period of time, think about consulting a mental health professional.