A registration for the Special Medical Needs Registry will be completed in order to gather information that is pertinent to an individual's specific special medical needs. Forms are available by:

• Downloading the Special Medical Needs Registry form here.
• Calling 252-475-5500.
• Visiting the Manteo or Frisco offices of the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services' Social Services Division.

The Special Medical Needs Registry is updated annually by Dare County staff members, so current registrants do not need to re-register. During the month of May each year, Dare County's social workers will contact Special Medical Needs Registry participants to ensure that their information is accurate and up-to-date.

In the event of an upcoming storm, the Department of Health & Human Services' Social Services Division staff can contact those who are listed on the Special Medical Needs Registry and reside within the affected area.

Due to the isolated geography of Dare County and the potential limitations that responders may face when trying to reach those in need, it is very important for all our residents to be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days on their own following a storm.

It is equally important for all Dare County residents to heed evacuation orders and to prepare themselves for leaving their homes quickly if a storm approaches.

The Special Medical Needs Registry is also important because some of the residents of Dare County may need assistance with their emergency preparations as well as during the evacuation process. Dare County officials also need to know where the area's most vulnerable residents are located so that they can contact them quickly before and after an emergency occurs. 

Knowing what to do before an emergency occurs is your best protection as well as your personal responsibility. Ensure that you have a personal support network and that you complete a personal assessment. Familiarize yourself with the following four preparedness steps.

Monitor the local news through television, radio and social media. The Government Channel  (Channel 191 on digital cable and channel 20 on Hatteras Island)  and Dare County website are continuously updated throughout emergency situations.

We have an obligation not only to help people in an emergency but also to take steps to avoid hazardous situations before they occur. If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, it means that the upcoming event poses a threat or hazard to your health and well-being. It is illegal to disregard a mandatory evacuation.

Remember that we do not operate evacuation shelters in Dare County.  If a winter storm or power outage causes a non-evacuation shelter to open that information will be quickly posted on the county website and sent to local media outlets.

Create a personal support network and evaluate your needs. The worksheet on the back of this document will assist you with this process.

A personal support network can help you prepare for a disaster and also assist you after a disaster happens. Do not depend on only one person. Consider including a minimum of three people in your network since some supports may not always be available.

Completing a needs evaluation helps with deciding what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during and after a disaster. This will be based on the environment after the disaster, your capabilities and your limitations.

 

Food & Water

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (for 3 days)
• Food—easy-to-make and won’t spoil
• Manual can opener

Electronics

• Flashlight
• Battery powered, solar or hand-crank radio
• Cell phones with chargers
• Extra batteries

Health & Safety Supplies

• First Aid Kit
• Medicine (seven day supply), other medical supplies, and paperwork about any serious or ongoing medical condition
• Emergency Blanket
• Soap, toothbrush, and other personal care items

Additional Items

• Family/emergency contacts information
• A multipurpose tool
• Copies of important documents (insurance cards, immunization records, etc.)
• Extra cash
• Maps of the area

Quiz: Review your plan and quiz your care support network every six months.

Drill: Conduct emergency fire and evacuation drills.

Restock: Check food supplies and replace expired food and water as needed.

Test: Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace their batteries at least once a year. Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.