Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)

Related FAQs

• Am I eligible for the EEAP?

  You are eligible for this program if any of the following conditions apply:

  • You are unable to evacuate on your own due to a specialized transportation need.
  • You are homebound and unable to walk to a bus pickup point and do not have anyone who can provide transportation.
  • You have medical needs that prevent you from evacuating on your own.
  • You are bedbound.
  • You are on life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity.
  • You require assistance with daily living activities.

  Residents living in residential health care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities or group homes do not qualify for this program as these facilities are required by law to develop an emergency plan and provide emergency assistance for their clients.

• What does the EEAP offer and when is it used?

  The program offers:

  • Specialized transportation
  • Safe shelter
  • Medical monitoring
  • Wellness checks

  A caregiver or companion is required to accompany the evacuee throughout the emergency period to ensure the evacuee’s needs are met in a timely manner.

  The EEAP may be used for emergencies that occur in Miami-Dade County, such as:

  • Hurricanes or tornadoes
  • Chemical or Hazardous material releases (e.g., industrial accident or act of terrorism)
  • Wildfires
  • Prolonged widespread power outages
  • Radiological  releases (e.g., from a nuclear power plant incident or act of terrorism)

  Emergency evacuation centers are intended as a refuge of last resort for those who do not have an alternate safe location for evacuation. They do not offer the same level of care or equipment as health care facilities.

• How do I register for the EEAP?

  How to apply

  Individuals may apply throughout the year to become enrolled in the EEAP. Residents only need to apply once to be a life-long member of the program.

  Register online or download an application below, completely fill it out and mail it. You can also call 311 to have an application sent to you in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole or in an alternate format such as Braille or large print.

  The EEAP application is available in:

  • EEAP Application English
  • EEAP Application Spanish
  • EEAP Application Creole

  If more than one eligible person living in the same household requires assistance during evacuations, each person must complete and submit a separate application.

  If you require a higher level of medical care, your primary care physician should complete and sign the application before submission.

  Registration (online and paper application) for the EEAP closes before an evacuation order is pronounced. Do not wait until an evacuation order is issued to request to be added to the EEAP Registry.

  After you apply:

  • The Emergency Management Department or support personnel may contact you to verify your registration information.
  • You will receive a letter letting you know if you have been accepted into the program. This letter will include the evacuation assistance you are eligible to receive and your responsibilities.
  • You will be contacted throughout the year to update your personal contact and medical information. You do not need to complete an application every year, but it is the responsibility of you or your caregiver to report any changes. If your contact or medical information changes or you would like to be removed from the EEAP, please email [email protected] or call the support line at (305) 513-7700.
• Can I get assistance if I am not enrolled in the event of an emergency?

  When an emergency arises, pre-registered residents will have priority over those who have not registered for the program.

  Residents not currently enrolled in the EEAP, who need emergency and evacuation assistance, should call 311 to request assistance. Contacting the 311 Contact Center does not guarantee that a resident will receive assistance in the event of an emergency or are enrolled in the EEAP. Residents who have not pre-registered with the EEAP are encouraged to seek alternate transportation and sheltering arrangements with family and friends.

• What happens during an emergency for individuals who require assistance?

  Individuals enrolled in the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) will be contacted by phone, text or other method of communication to coordinate assistance when an evacuation order is issued to determine what specialized sheltering and/or transportation services are needed. You will be informed which facility you will be evacuated to and a time frame for your pick-up.

  It is the EEAP client’s or caregiver/companion’s responsibility to monitor the media for updated information on what actions they may need to take. The individual and caregiver/companion must also be prepared to evacuate when transportation arrives along with their readiness kits. If they miss their scheduled pickup, there may not be time for a second attempt.

  All EEAP clients must bring the following in the event of an evacuation:

  • You must be accompanied at all times by a caregiver or companion
  • Comfort items in one carrier (e.g. pillows, linens, blankets, cot, air mattress, sleeping bag, folding chair, change of clothing, toiletries)
  • Minimum one-week (7 day) supply of all your medications and specific medication instructions
  • Medical equipment (e.g. oxygen equipment, wheelchair, walking cane, diabetes equipment, feeding tubes, dressing supplies)
  • Minimum three (3) day supply of food and water for you and your caregiver/companion (special dietary foods, if required)
  • Names and telephone numbers of your emergency contacts and neighbors

  To request a Hurricane Readiness Guide in an alternate format, such as Braille or large print, call 311 or send an email to [email protected].

• Why did I receive a phone call from the EEAP?

  When an emergency threatens the County, EEAP clients may be contacted via phone, text or other method of communication to coordinate transportation and sheltering accommodations, as well as receive important notifications.

  Individuals may also be contacted throughout the year to verify that all contact and medical information is current.

  Automated call downs may also be programmed to send important messages to residential healthcare facilities who have emergency plans submitted to the County's Emergency Management Department.