SHELTER, Sims Middle School (Special Needs Shelter)

In Santa Rosa County, hurricane shelters will be opened as needed when evacuation orders are issued. Shelter openings will be announced through all means possible including local media outlets, press conferences and public meetings. If you cannot get shelter information through the media, you may call our Citizen Information Line at 850-983-INFO "4636". All shelters may not be opened at the same time, therefore attention must be given to the current shelter status in Santa Rosa County.

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management, Santa Rosa County Health Department and other community agencies have established Sims Middle School as a Special Needs Shelter for use during a disaster.

A Special Needs Shelter is different than a regular evacuation shelter. The Special Needs Shelter is not a mini-hospital or nursing home. It is a refuge only for people who have specific needs that can be met in this setting. If you require more, or fewer, services than can be provided, you will be referred to an alternate site.

For information, or to obtain a registration form, call Santa Rosa County Emergency Management at 983-5360 or 494-7458.

Sims Middle School has an emergency power generator that can provide power to run only essential medical equipment such as oxygen delivery systems and priority will be given to persons requiring this capability.

For you comfort, it would be preferable for you to arrange to stay with friends or family outside the area of danger. The Special Needs Shelter should be your last resort if you have nowhere else to go.

Accommodations:

Sims Middle School Special Needs Shelter is a school that provides shelter only during an emergency. Emergency Management has a very limited number of cots and blankets available. There may not be enough for everyone. You are responsible for bringing your own pillow, blanket, sleeping bag, egg crate
padding or any other special items. Family members will be referred to a general shelter, in a different location.

It is possible that the school may lose power during a storm. For your convenience, it is recommended that you bring a flashlight and at least one gallon of water per person. It is also recommended that you bring a three day supply of nonperishable food for yourself and your caretaker.

Medical Care:

The Shelter has a very limited staff provided by Santa Rosa County Health Department and volunteers. It is not a substitute for your regular health care. No physician will be in the shelter and specialized nursing care is not available. A CAREGIVER MUST ACCOMPANY YOU!

If you are under the care of a doctor or home health agency, please discuss your evacuation plans with them. If you have home health care or hospice, please bring your folder and your nurse and doctor's name and telephone number where he or she can be reached during a storm. Please call them before
you leave home to let them know where you will be. You are responsible for bringing your medication, a list of your medications for the shelter staff and any medical supplies and equipment that you use. This includes Depends, Chux,
urinals, etc.

Other Suggestions:

Please also bring personal grooming items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Bring along a book, magazine, cards or a game to pass the time.

Shelter Rules:

You must sign in when you arrive and sign out when you leave.
No alcohol or drugs.
Food and drinks are to be in the cafeteria only. Absolutely no
smoking in the center.
No guns or other weapons.
No pets.
No disorderly or disruptive behavior.
A law officer will be on duty at all times. We are guests of
Sims Middle, please treat their building, equipment, and staff
respectively.
Being in an evacuation center is stressful for everyone, please
treat you fellow evacuees with courtesy and kindness.