Preparedness
Apply for the Hurricane Registry NOW!
Click Here to watch the video in Spanish
To apply, residents can call toll-free:
1-833-CHD-REGISTER
(1-833-243-7344)
and follow the phone prompts.
Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Irma were certainly wake up calls for all Georgia Coastal Communities. Chatham County officials learned during Matthew and Irma that we need to improve the tracking of individuals with Functional, Access and Medical Needs in the County. The Chatham County Department of Public Health is encouraging those with functional, access, or medical needs to apply to the Hurricane Registry before another storm threatens the Georgia coast. Residents should plan ahead and call today!
The Hurricane Registry for those with functional, access, or medical needs is a list maintained by the health department of residents who may need transportation or medical assistance and have no resources such as family members, neighbors, or friends to help them evacuate if a hurricane is threatening our area. Residents must apply to be on the Registry. Those who meet the criteria and are put on the Registry will be evacuated when there is serious threat of a hurricane.
Those with functional or access needs - including children or adults with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities who need assistance with the activities of daily living including eating, taking medication, dressing, bathing, communicating, transferring from bed to chair and chair to bed, and toileting - will be evacuated to a gymnasium type setting far enough inland so that they are safe from the storm. The accommodations at the shelter will be basic (a cot with 20-40 square feet of space, bathroom facilities, meals, etc.) and the shelter may be several hours away.
Those with medical needs - including those who need the help of trained medical professionals for things like IV medication or who may be dependent on a respirator or other medical equipment may be taken to a healthcare facility.
Please note that anyone who lives in a nursing home, assisted living, or personal care facility is not eligible for the Registry and must follow their facility's emergency plan.
The Registry is truly a last resort, but it is important that CEMA and Public Health officials have a list of residents who have certain needs and absolutely no other way to evacuate to ensure their safety and well-being, should an evacuation become necessary.
The time to apply for the Registry is NOW! It is important to note that Registry applications will no longer be accepted 72 hours prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds. Therefore, you cannot wait until a storm is approaching to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions: English Version | En Español
Evacuation Supply Kit for Registry Clients: Click to Download
Required Forms:
To apply, residents can call toll-free:
1-833-CHD-REGISTER
(1-833-243-7344)
and follow the phone prompts.