St. Johns County is opening a Special Medical Needs Storm Shelter as part of its emergency preparedness measures, according to county officials. The shelter, located at Freedom Crossing Academy at 1365 Shetland Drive, St. Johns, is set to open today at 8 a.m. It's tailored for individuals who depend on electricity for medical equipment, or who require oxygen therapy, and cannot be supported by the general population shelters, as per the St. Johns County.
An evacuation order was issued for multiple zones in the area, effective today, 8 a.m. Those residing in Evacuation Zone A, all of Evacuation Zone B, and parts of Evacuation Zone F south of State Road 206 need to seek shelter. However, not all individuals qualify to use the Special Medical Needs Storm Shelter, and space is allotted specifically for those with certain medical dependencies. Basic medical aid and monitoring will be available at the shelter, but individuals must arrive with a caregiver to maintain the level of care they're used to, the shelter staff won't provide one-on-one care.
The shelter isn't equipped for advanced medical care, including hospital beds, dialysis, ventilators, tracheostomy care, or Hoyer lifts. Those in need of more comprehensive care should make arrangements with their healthcare providers or caregivers before evacuating. In case of the need for ambulance transport or hospital services, plans should be made in advance as the shelter doesn't function as a hospital facility.
In addition to the Special Medical Needs Storm Shelter, the county is also opening two more shelters: a Pet-Friendly Shelter at South Woods Elementary School, and a General Population Shelter at Pedro Menendez High School. If residents need transportation to any of the shelters, they're encouraged to contact the Emergency Management Citizen Information Hotline at 904-824-5550, transportation will be provided.
Evacuees heading to the shelters should bring essential supplies for personal comfort and safety. Recommended items include bedding, a five-day supply of water and non-perishable food, medication, personal hygiene products, extra clothing, leisure items like books or games, a flashlight with batteries, and important identification and papers. For those dependent on medications requiring refrigeration,, a cooler is also suggested.
