JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's no secret, Floridians know bad weather. But when it comes to dealing with Mother Nature, anything can happen.That's why you have to be ready- even if it means picking up and leaving your home behind.
Being prepared for the official start of hurricane season means having a plan. Knowing when and how to evacuate is key during a hurricane. But for some people, getting up and going in a hurry isn’t easy.
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That's why the city is encouraging those who need assistance evacuating to sign up for their registry. By registering, people with special needs can get help with evacuating and help with shelters.
"I've been told, get ready before something happens. So, I try to get ready if I have to evacuate. Thank God I haven't had to do it so far," said Betty Walls.
She knows that can change at any moment which is why she decided to register before it was too late.
People who qualify are medically dependent on electricity or oxygen, they have physical, cognitive, or medical conditions which may require basic assistance from their doctors.
"Yes, I signed up in case I have to evacuate. I send it in, and if I do, they'll call me and pick me up. Then carry me to the shelter," said Walls.
Registering means filling out basic information about yourself, including what health issues and limitations you're currently facing and other emergency information. You can register county by county and sign up online.
For some of our most vulnerable neighbors, knowing they'll never brave the storm alone makes all the difference.
You can register for yourself, or on behalf of another person. It is something you need to do annually by visiting the following websites: