With hurricane season upon us ALL residents are strongly encouraged to have a pre-planned evacuation plan.

Chief of Planning for Lee County Emergency Management, Gerald Campbell explains that "If you're at home now watching this and you think you may not be suitable for regular shelter and you would like the help go ahead, call and get an application, fill it out and have it evaluated."

Paramedic Ben Abes says that once you fill out an application, health department doctors determine if you are in deed in need of a special needs shelter-and if you qualify then you are put on a list. "It's more or less like any other shelter other than the additional assistance that's on hand to help those people with their needs."

Gerald says that it's essential that you understand why preparations must be made now if you're planning on going to a special needs shelter. "There is a cut off date, when the hurricane is approaching we can no longer take applications once Lee County falls within the 5 day forecast cone."

Gerald also says that it is also highly recommended that if you have a caregiver, they come along with you and then just like any other shelter, be sure to bring your supplies. "In the shelter, yes, you will need your meds, you will need your particular adaptive aids, whatever those are. The exception of that is oxygen, we'll provide special oxygen needs."

Ben adds, "it's important again that they provide oxygen to get themselves from home to the shelter, and then again have enough to get themselves from the shelter back to their house after the storm passes."

If you don't have a special medical need but you require transportation to a shelter you should also call 239-477-3600 and fill out an application.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living, you should know that they do not qualify for a special needs shelter. Those facilities are required by law to have their own plan to care for their clients during an emergency.