Every resident in the Coastal Health District should be prepared for a possible hurricane evacuation, but planning is especially critical for individuals with physical or medical challenges.
If a resident has functional needs or a healthcare condition that limits their ability to travel independently and they need assistance with transportation to evacuate, now is the time to apply for the Coastal Health District’s Hurricane Registry.
Residents who qualify for the Hurricane Registry typically require paratransit or similar transportation services to travel and have no other resources such as family members, neighbors, or friends to transport them to safety. If an individual is approved for the Hurricane Registry, they will receive assistance when a storm threatens the region. The goal is to help them evacuate to a safe inland shelter when a hurricane is approaching the coast.
“The Hurricane Registry allows us to assist residents who have critical transportation needs during an evacuation,” said Todd Wyckoff, emergency preparedness director of the Coastal Health District. “We want to make sure those who need the most help can evacuate safely when a hurricane is approaching. It’s vital that they register in advance, so we can be properly prepared with the necessary resources.” What else do you need to know?
• Anyone in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or personal care home is not eligible for the Registry and must follow their facility’s emergency plan.
• The time to apply for the Registry is before a storm is approaching. Registry applications will stop being accepted 72 hours prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds.
• Registry clients with functional or access needs may be evacuated to a safe inland shelter. Registry clients with medical needs may be evacuated to a pre-identified safe location. Destinations for all Registry clients may be several hours away.
The Hurricane Registry is maintained by the local health department in each of the eight counties of the Coastal Health District, including Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh. You must apply to be on the registry in advance. You can begin the process by calling the Hurricane Registry hotline toll free at 1-833-CHD-REGISTRY (1-833-243-7344) or by downloading an application in English or Spanish.
For more information about the Hurricane Registry, visit CoastalHealthDistrict.org/registry