Source links checked October 2, 2026. This English draft has not received specialist or language review and is not ready for public publication.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. This guide is for planning ahead; it is not emergency response or individualized medical instruction.
Build supports around the person
Four topics to plan together; none is a guaranteed emergency service.
Topic 1Start with the person and the risks nearby
Ask the person how they want to receive warnings, where they feel safe, and who they want involved. Identify local hazards and more than one place to go if leaving home becomes necessary.
Read the full section →Topic 2Plan for power, equipment, and medicines
List equipment that needs electricity, charging, supplies, or temperature control. Ask the prescribing clinician and equipment supplier to help make a safe backup plan. Do not change device settings or medication directions based on this page.
Read the full section →Topic 3Make transportation and shelter choices
Know the county evacuation zone, possible destinations, accessible transportation contacts, and who will help the person leave. Confirm that a destination can meet the person’s support needs before relying on it.
Read the full section →Topic 4Keep communication and caregiver backup ready
Keep contact information for the person’s chosen supporters, clinicians, pharmacy, transportation, and county emergency management in more than one place. Decide who will check in if the usual caregiver is unavailable.
Read the full section →Open any panel for a short preview. The full guide and official sources follow below.
Start with the person and the risks nearby
Ask the person how they want to receive warnings, where they feel safe, and who they want involved. Identify local hazards and more than one place to go if leaving home becomes necessary.
Share the plan with the people who will help carry it out. Keep a paper copy where it can be found if phones or internet service fail.
Plan for power, equipment, and medicines
List equipment that needs electricity, charging, supplies, or temperature control. Ask the prescribing clinician and equipment supplier to help make a safe backup plan. Do not change device settings or medication directions based on this page.
Check how medicines, prescriptions, care instructions, and essential supplies will travel with the person. APD’s 2026 brochure includes a disaster supply kit and a portable go kit.
Make transportation and shelter choices
Know the county evacuation zone, possible destinations, accessible transportation contacts, and who will help the person leave. Confirm that a destination can meet the person’s support needs before relying on it.
Florida’s Special Needs Registry may help local planners understand needs, but registering does not guarantee a shelter place, transportation, or emergency assistance. Check the county’s process and keep other safe options.
Keep communication and caregiver backup ready
Keep contact information for the person’s chosen supporters, clinicians, pharmacy, transportation, and county emergency management in more than one place. Decide who will check in if the usual caregiver is unavailable.
Practice explaining the person’s communication preferences and essential daily supports in plain language. Review the plan with the person and helpers before each disaster season and after needs change.
Personal emergency-plan checklist
Print this blank checklist and complete it with the person and their care team. Keep private details on the printed copy, not in a website form.
0 of 6 items marked on this device.
Official sources
These official pages and documents were checked October 2, 2026. Confirm current processes with the responsible agency.
Required reviewers: Clinical and emergency-planning reviewers. No reviewer has approved this draft yet. General education only; official agencies and qualified professionals make individual decisions.