By Stephanie DeThomas, Public Information/Events Specialist
Hurricane season starts June 1. Will you be ready? To help you prepare for hurricane season, we are publishing 12 Weekly Shopping Lists. These lists also appear on SIBTV Cable Channel 77. Pick up a few items every time you shop and before you know it, you will be prepared!
People with Special Needs and Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (PSN/EEAP)
Individuals within Miami-Dade County that have special needs, and may require additional assistance during evacuations, can register with the County's People with Special Needs & Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (PSN/EEAP). The PSN/EEAP is registration driven and the locations are not published. Upon qualifying for the program, a letter of confirmation will be mailed to the special needs client and it will identify the shelter location. The Special Needs Evacuation Centers (SNECs) are staffed with medical personnel from the Department of Health and/or Jackson Memorial Hospital nursing staff. Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for in an emergency.
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 PSN/EEAP.
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 People with Special Needs & Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (PSN/EEAP), which is a registry of our county residents that need help when an emergency evacuation is necessary.
The EEAP is registration driven. Anyone who is unable to evacuate and/or shelter on their own, due to a disability and/or medical condition (with the exception of those residing in a nursing home and/or assisted living facility or group home), can register with DEM&HS, to obtain assistance in the event of a disaster that requires them to evacuate. Applications are available in three languages (English, Spanish or Creole) and can be obtained by contacting 3-1-1 or 305-513-7700; or 888-311-DADE or 305-468-5402 (TDD/TTY); or they can also be downloaded from the following web-link: www.miamidade.gov/oem/EEAP.asp.
Please complete the application in its entirety. Your vital medical information will help DEM&HS determine your eligibility for the program and the types of services you will need. Please have your physician sign the form and then return it to DEM&HS. If eligible, you will be assigned to an appropriate facility (usually the one closest to your place of residence), and a determination will be made on the transportation type. DEM&HS will send written notification confirming your registration to the PSN/EEAP and provide a list of items you will need to bring with you when evacuating.
These applications are also available at the reception desk on the first floor of the Government Center at 18070 Collins Avenue.
Remember to plan ahead if you, your family members, or friends need special assistance for emergency evacuations. These forms must be sent in advance. Please be prepared now for hurricane season.
Weekly Shopping Lists 10 and 11
Week 10 of 12 – May 16
Grocery Store
□ 1 box heavy duty garbage bags
□ 1 box quick energy snacks (such as granola bars or raisins)
□ ice chest
Hardware Store
□ camping or utility knife
□ extra radio batteries
□ local and state road maps
□ plywood and fasteners to cover windows
Week 11 of 12 – May 23
Grocery Store
□ 2 rolls paper towels
□ 1 can meat
□ 1 can fruit
□ sunscreen
Hardware Store
□ 1 box disposable dust masks
□ screwdriver
□ plastic safety goggles
□ handsaw and/or chain saw, fuel
BE PREPARED!
