With hurricane season barreling down on Miami-Dade County, local authorities are urging residents requiring special assistance during evacuations to sign up for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program. This crucial initiative offers free services for those who can't evacuate on their own, providing both specialized transportation and sheltering in emergencies.

As reported by the Miami-Dade County official government website, the hurricane season, which starts on June 1 and stretches until Nov. 30, is a period when preparation could mean the difference between safety and peril. Time and time again, residents have been caught unprepared for nature's fury. With the registration for Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program already open, eligible individuals with disabilities or medical needs are being encouraged to register early - a move that guarantees priority assistance during disasters. Those who have waited until the eleventh hour in the past, often found help hard to come by.

The Miami-Dade County website states that the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program is designed to serve individuals who live alone or with families and may have access or functional needs. However, it's worth noting that long term care residents are not covered under this program. Instead, facilities like nursing homes and assisted living communities are legally mandated to have their own emergency protocols in place.

Importantly, registering for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program isn't just about securing a ride out of town when a storm hits. The program also extends its hand post-disaster, providing wellness calls and other forms of assistance when the clouds have cleared but the struggle continues. Considering the unpredictable nature of these storms, residents who could find themselves in need must consider that registering before calamity strikes is not just a suggestion—it is a lifeline.