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When a disaster strikes, shelter and transportation assistance is available to eligible disabled individuals who have no other way to evacuate their homes. In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) and the Office of Handicapped Services (OHS) will coordinate assistance to eligible disabled residents. Providing shelter or transport for people who require emergency evacuation assistance is a serious concern of all. If you are at risk during emergency situations and require special planning which may involve transportation and/or sheltering, the Joint Emergency Evacuation Plan (JEEP) may be of assistance.
What is JEEP?
JEEP is a computerized registry of people who require emergency evacuation assistance and education about the steps that may be necessary for their safety during disasters. It is maintained at FRES to be activated as needed whenever disaster strikes.
Where do I fit in?
If approved, you will be assigned to a destination based on the emergency and where you live. You will be notified of your personalized emergency plan by JEEP.
What does JEEP do for me?
You will be informed about:
• Which services you may be eligible to receive.
• Your responsibility in having a personal emergency evacuation plan.
• What you will need to bring to a shelter.
• If you are assigned transportation, where you must meet your vehicle.
• The need to listen to the radio or watch TV for information regarding evacuation to shelters and times that transportation will start.
What if I am dependent on electricity?
If you are dependent on electric life support and do not live in an area being evacuated, you should listen to the radio or watch TV for instructions because you may be evacuated also. Now is a good time to check with your electric provider to make sure you are on their electric life support listing.
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How should I start my personal emergency plan?
The American Red Cross has prepared a pamphlet "Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities" which provides people with important information to set up and maintain a good personal emergency plan. Each JEEP applicant will receive a copy of this pamphlet along with his or her applications reply. Whether you are approved for JEEP enrollment or not, it is strongly urged that you follow this very important guide.
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Where would I go during an emergency evacuation?
During an emergency evacuation, there are three types of shelters, Medical Management Facilities, Special Needs Shelters and General Population Shelters.
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What is a medical management facility?
Medical Management Facilities are intended for seriously ill people who under normal conditions would require hospitalization.
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What is a special needs shelter?
Special Needs Shelters are for the well being of medically dependent people who do not require hospitalization. Special Needs Shelters should not be utilized by healthy, able-bodied persons. Such persons should go to a General Population Shelter.
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Can I bring someone to assist me at a special needs shelter?
If you require emergency evacuation assistance and you have a caregiver available to assist you, they should come to and remain at the Special Needs Shelter with you. Only one person may come with you to a shelter.
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What is a general population shelter?
General Population Shelters are managed by the Suffolk County Chapter of the American Red Cross. They are intended for those who are not eligible for a Medical Management Facility or Special Needs Shelter. There will be some people who apply to the JEEP who will be eligible for transport to a General Population Shelter.
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How do I get to a shelter?
People with special needs who have no other means of transportation can have transportation to a shelter coordinated by JEEP. Transportation is limited to type and availability. During an emergency, it is important for you to arrange for your own transportation if you can.
NOTE: Self contained, self-administered oxygen can be transported on public vehicles.
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What if I need an ambulance to get to a shelter?
If you require transport in an ambulance, you are urged to make your own transportation arrangements well in advance. If you need a basic life support (BLS) or advanced life support (ALS) ambulance, you will be screened carefully to ensure that you have the most appropriate form of transportation.
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What if I have my own transportation?
If you have arranged for your own transportation, or if you can walk to a bus pick-up point, you will not be included in the JEEP transportation plan. When an evacuation decision is made, you should listen to the radio or watch TV to inform you of the designated pick-up locations.
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What if my condition or address changes?
If you are in the registry, you will be mailed an application each year to update our records. It is your responsibility to notify JEEP of any changes in your status, including medical, mobility, address and phone number.
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What about my animal(s) in an emergency?
Only service animals (e.g. guide dogs) are allowed in transportation vehicles or shelters. If you have a pet, you must have an emergency plan for its care. You cannot bring your pet to a shelter unless it is a certified service animal.
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Am I eligible for JEEP?
To be eligible for this program, you must be so disabled or frail that you are unable to leave your residence without emergency assistance. You must apply ahead of time to be included. The confidential information you provide will be reviewed to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you are approved, you will be assigned to an appropriate shelter. Any service will be provided based upon availability and need. JEEP reserves the right to determine which services, if any, it is able to provide during an emergency.
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How is my application reviewed?
When an application is reviewed. JEEP will determine which services you will need. Your determination will be based on:
• Your transportation needs
• Your medical needs
• You having no other evacuation options
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What if I live in a nursing home?
Residents of nursing homes, adult and group homes are not eligible for JEEP. These facilities are responsible for their residents evacuation.
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What if I do not enroll in JEEP?
If you do not plan ahead, last minute evacuation may be impossible. JEEP members will have priority over anyone who is not in the program.
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Does enrolling in JEEP mean evacuation in any emergency?
It you do not live in an emergency area or have not been advised to evacuate, you should remain safely secured at home and listen to the radio or watch TV for further information.
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How do I apply for JEEP?
If you are interested, you can get a JEEP application by returning the "Request for Application" form or by calling the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services at 852-4900 or the Office of Handicapped Services at 853-8333 (voice), 853-5858 (TTY).
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