JEEP-Joint Emergency Evacuation Program
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Suffolk County Joint Emergency Evacuation Program (JEEP) for Persons with Special Needs
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) will coordinate assistance to eligible disabled residents. 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.
HOW JEEP WORKS
JEEP is a database of individuals who require emergency evacuation assistance during disasters. The database is maintained by FRES and activated prior to an impending disaster. 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 information you provide will be reviewed to see if you meet the eligibility requirements, and will be kept confidential. If you are approved, you will be assigned to an appropriate shelter. Services provided will be based on need and availability.
WHAT DOES JEEP DO FOR ME?
If your application is approved, 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, e.g. your walker, wheelchair etc.
• If you are assigned transportation, how transportation will be provided to you.
• The need to listen to the radio or watch TV for information regarding evacuation to shelters and times that transportation will start.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR JEEP?
If you are interested, you can get a JEEP application by calling the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services at 852-4900 or the Office of Handicapped Services at 853-8333 (voice), 853-5658 (TTY). When an application is reviewed, JEEP’s program managers will determine which services you will need. Your determination will be based on your medical and transportation needs as well as your lack of other evacuation options. If you need assistance filling out the form, try to find someone who can help you. If you do not have anyone to help you please contact the Office of Handicapped Services at the above listed numbers.
WHAT IF I AM DEPENDENT ON LIFE SUPPORT?
Now is a good time to check with your electric provider to make sure you are on their electric life support listing. If you are dependent on electric life support and do not live in an area being evacuated, you should stay put and listen to the radio or watch TV for instructions because you may also need to be evacuated later as the situation develops.
WHERE WOULD I GO DURING AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION?
Depending on your medical needs you will be taken to one of three types of shelters, a Medical Management Facility, a Special Needs Shelter or a General Population Shelter. Medical Management Facilities are intended for seriously ill people who, under normal conditions, would require hospitalization. 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. 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.
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.
HOW DO I GET TO A SHELTER?
People with special needs who have no other way to get out can have transportation to a shelter coordinated by JEEP. Transportation is limited to type and availability. During an emergency, it’s important for you to arrange for your own transportation, if possible. NOTE: Users of self contained, self administered oxygen can be transported on public vehicles such as buses.
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. Enrolling in JEEP however, does not mean you will be evacuated in all emergencies. If you do not live in an emergency area that had been advised to evacuate, you should remain safely secured at home and listen to the radio or watch TV for further information.
WHAT IF I LIVE IN A NURSING HOME?
Hospitals, nursing homes, adult homes and assisted living facilities are responsible for the safe evacuation of their patients/residents in an emergency.
WHAT IF MY CONDITION OR ADDRESS CHANGES?
If your name is in the registry, you will be mailed an application each year to update your records. It is your responsibility to notify JEEP of any changes in your status, including disability, medical, address and phone numbers.
To Download a Jeep Application Click Here:
Jeep Application
Last modified onThursday, 25 August 2011 10:45