Shelter registration for special needs residents | Health

Tampa, Florida-- 10 news continues to update you on Tropical Storm Isaac and Pinellas weather-watchers say they are keeping a close eye as it progresses as well. 

The Health Department wants to get the word out now about the three special-needs shelters offered during storms. They encourage any special-needs residents to sign-up now, just in case they need to take advantage of them during an evacuation. Register at the link above, or click here. 

Special-needs shelters are located at the schools listed below, but not all may be open during every evacuation. Monitor the media for information on which will open during an emergency:

• Dunedin Highland Middle School, 70 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
• Oak Grove Middle School, 1370 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater
• John Hopkins Middle School, 701 16th St. S., St. Petersburg

Special-needs shelters are staffed by the Pinellas County Health Department and the Pinellas County School Board.  Nurses and other medical personnel will be available at each shelter also, though the Health Department says the shelters are equipped for patients who need minimal medical assistance, not for those with acute medical conditions.

For information about the Pinellas County Health Department, go to www.PinellasHealth.com.