Consequently, people requiring special equipment or assistance should plan to take someone who can stay with them to assist them in the shelter. They should plan their disaster supply kit to include their special supplies and equipment. This is true for other sheltering options, too. People receiving home health care should discuss their shelter options with their health care providers and physician. Those people dependent on electrically-powered medical equipment need to discuss with their vendor ways to keep the equipment operating during long power outages.
Some shelters have only enough emergency power to provide minimum lighting.
Most shelters have no emergency power to plug in medical equipment. People with special needs, who live outside the storm surge zones in a structurally sound home and who decide to stay at home, should not stay alone. They should take the same precautions as the general public to include identifying a safe room and putting together a disaster supply kit to include stocking up on special supplies, such as dressings and medicines. They need to consult with their physician or health care provider to ensure their plan meets their health care needs. Other considerations for special needs people include transportation.