Special needs asked to pre-register for storm aid

Lafourche Parish residents with special needs are being asked to contact the Lafourche Parish Government Office of Emergency Preparedness to register for assistance during hurricane evacuations.

The state Department of Health and Hospitals and Office of Public Health can work together to open a “Special Needs Shelter” for residents who could not function independently at a regular shelter during any storm event.

“Every special needs patient must be triaged, and by registering now, it will ensure proper and timely care in the event of a disaster,” said Chris Boudreaux, director of Lafourche Parish’s OEP, in a printed release. “It also helps DHH/OPH prepare their facilities and gives us a reference point to check in on patients, especially in the event of a parish-wide mandatory evacuation.”

The locations of special needs shelter will be determined by the storm’s severity and projected path. A caregiver must accompany every patient that qualifies for the shelter.

To register as a special needs patient, contact the OEP at (985) 532-8174. Each patient will need to provide his or her name, medical condition, address, two contact phone numbers, his or her caregiver’s name, and the type of transportation needed.