Special Needs Shelters

Physically, mentally and sensory disabled residents and those who need supplemental oxygen should register for the Special Needs Shelters program with Volusia County Emergency Management. The program provides assistance during evacuations. Evacuees should be accompanied by a caregiver if this type of assistance normally is needed.

Special needs shelters are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver.

If you prefer to have the form mailed, you may request one by contacting:

Volusia County Emergency Management
Attn: Special Needs Sheltering
3825 Tiger Bay Road, Suite 102
Daytona Beach FL 32124-1063

Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for several days during an emergency. Since space is limited, only bring:

  • Special dietary food, snacks and comfort food
  • Bedding, pillow, blanket, folding chair
  • Extra clothing
  • Medications and medical supplies
  • Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs shelter
  • Toiletry items
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Diapers and other necessities for infants and elderly and disabled persons
  • Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games and cards
  • Important papers, credit cards, cash and identification
  • Ear plugs

Transportation to shelters

Votran, Volusia County’s public transportation service will provide free transportation to public shelters. All Votran bus stops are evacuation assembly points during a declared emergency evacuation order. If special needs evacuees cannot reach a regular bus stop, they must call Votran to arrange transportation.

Bus space is limited. Carry-on items are limited to a pillow, blanket and one carry-on bag (not larger than 22” x 16” x 8”).

Telephone numbers for Votran are:

Daytona Beach (386) 322-5100
West Volusia (386) 943-7050
New Smyrna Beach (386) 424-6810

Returning home

Every effort will be made to allow evacuees to return to their home and businesses as quickly as possible. Re-entry to evacuated areas will be authorized based on public safety, security and operational needs of search and rescue teams. The re-entry policy will be established as soon as possible and with as few restrictions as possible. The decision to establish general re-entry will be evaluated through continuous coordination among county and state agencies, municipal law enforcement agencies and adjacent counties and will be announced through the news media.