Coastal communities have been lucky when it comes to hurricanes but weather experts agree that it’s only a matter of time before Georgia gets hit by a major storm. That’s why Effingham County Health Department officials are encouraging those with special medical needs to apply to Effingham County’s Special Medical Needs Registry.

The Effingham County Health Department maintains a Special Medical Needs Registry that is made up of residents who may require transport and medical assistance during a hurricane evacuation and do no have a caregiver who can help them. Residents must apply to be on the registry. The health department will assess eligibility and notify residents approved to be on the registry. People living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and personal care homes are not eligible and must follow their facility’s emergency plan.

Vulnerable residents are encouraged to make plans with family members for possible hurricane evacuation; however, those with special medical needs that do not have family support may be eligible for the Registry. In the event of a hurricane evacuation, anyone on the Registry will be taken to a shelter in another part of the state.

“While the Special Medical Needs Registry is a good tool to help us know where our most vulnerable residents are, it should always be a last resort for people with no other way to evacuate,” said Cindy Grovenstein, R.N., Effingham County Health Department Nurse Manager.

Here’s how to register:

Call the Effingham County Health Department at 754-6484.

Once you provide your mailing information, you will be sent a special medical needs enrollment form to complete and return to the Health Department.

The application can also be downloaded from the Coastal Health District website at:  www.gachd.org/emergency-preparedness.

When the form has been completed, it can be mailed to: Effingham County Health Department, 802 Highway 119 South, Springfield, GA 31329