Pulmonary Consultants of Southwest Florida has partnered with Lee County Emergency Management by offering applications to patients for the Special Needs Program — a backup hurricane evacuation plan that assigns individuals to one of three types of shelters.

“Pulmonary Consultants knows that people with lung disease or other conditions need a backup plan of action to survive in the event of a hurricane or another major weather event. Our participation in this local initiative is my team’s way of giving patients one less thing to worry about, even after they exit our exam rooms,” said Medical Director Joseph Daley, M.D., FCCP.

The three-page application, along with two pages of shelter types and a hurricane evacuation checklist, is now available at the front desk of the Pulmonary Consultants’ Cape Coral office and its website — FloridaSleepDoctors.com. Patients can either request that Pulmonary Consultants submit the application on their behalf or work directly with Lee County Emergency Management.

Applicants must include their contact, caregiver and pet information, as well as their shelter preference, need for Lee County transportation, recommended care and accompanying medical equipment. Anyone who does not require transportation via Lee County Emergency Management is responsible for the cost of his or her own transportation.

After individuals submit their application to Lee County Emergency Management, the Department of Health will determine which shelter best aligns with their needs, as well as has the space to accommodate them. The options they offer are Emergency Public Shelter for self-sufficient applicants, Special Care Shelter for individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living and Hospitals for those whose physicians require them to be in a skilled nursing facility. All shelters will only be open for the duration of the emergency.

Applications must be submitted for processing before the five-day forecast cone and should only be considered a backup evacuation plan. Applicants and their caregivers are subject to a background screen. Applicants are encouraged to bring at least a two-week supply of medication in original containers to their assigned shelter and must provide vaccination records, supplies, medications, a collar/leash, and a crate for their cat or dog. 

To obtain a Lee County Special Needs Program application, visit Pulmonary Consultants at 1031 SE 9^th Place, Unit 2, in Cape Coral any time between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on the practice’s partnership with Lee County Emergency Management, call (239) 574-2644.