The Volusia County Special Needs Registry is a free, voluntary list maintained by Volusia County Emergency Management. It exists for one reason: when a hurricane or other emergency requires evacuation, the county knows who in the population needs help getting out.

Many families don't realize the Registry exists. Many more think it's only for people who use a wheelchair. The actual qualifying conditions are much broader. If your aging parent meets any of them, register today.

Who qualifies

Requires electric-dependent medical equipment — oxygen concentrator, CPAP, BiPAP, ventilator, IV pump, dialysis, electric wheelchair
Has mobility limitations that make a standard public shelter unsafe (frail elderly, recent stroke, advanced Parkinson's, severe arthritis)
Has cognitive impairment — Alzheimer's, other dementias, traumatic brain injury, severe intellectual disability
Takes time-sensitive or refrigerated medications (insulin, certain biologics, dialysis solutions)
Lives alone with no caregiver who can stay during/after the storm
Has sensory impairments — blind, deaf, severely hard of hearing
Lacks independent transportation for evacuation
Lives in a manufactured/mobile home (Volusia Zone D — must evacuate for any named storm)

You don't need a doctor's letter. Self-attestation is sufficient.

What being on the Registry actually does

Pre-storm notifications. The county sends additional alerts to Registry households 48–72 hours before landfall — including specific evacuation timing and shelter information.
Evacuation transportation. If you can't drive or arrange a ride, the county dispatches transportation. The window is narrow (typically 24–36 hours before landfall) so you must respond to alerts promptly.
Special Needs Shelter access. Standard public shelters are not designed for people with significant medical or mobility needs. The Special Needs Shelter has medical staff (typically nurses), more space per person, charging for medical devices, and is generally a calmer environment.
Post-storm welfare check. After the all-clear, county responders perform welfare checks on Registry households that didn't evacuate.

What being on the Registry does NOT do

It is not a guarantee that someone shows up at the door. Volusia County Emergency Management does its best, but a major storm overwhelms the system. Plan as if no one will arrive.
It does not replace a private evacuation plan. Treat it as a backup, not the primary.
It does not waive the evacuation order. If your zone is under mandatory evacuation, you must leave.

How to register (Volusia County)

Three ways:

Online (preferred, takes 15 minutes)

Go to volusia.org/services/community-services/emergency-management/special-needs-registry. You'll be asked for:

Name, address, phone, email
Date of birth
Primary medical conditions
Medications (with electric-dependent flag if applicable)
Mobility status
Emergency contact (someone outside the evacuation zone, ideally)
Transportation needs (need a ride, or have own transportation)
Pet information (if pets need shelter accommodation)
Primary physician name + phone
Home health agency name (if applicable) and TrustWise Care if we're providing care

Submit. The county confirms within 5–10 business days.

Phone

(386) 254-1500. A county staffer walks you through the same questions. Useful if internet is limited or your loved one needs help completing the form.

Paper

Pick up a form at:

Volusia County Emergency Operations Center, 3825 Tiger Bay Rd, Daytona Beach
Any branch of the Volusia County Public Library
Volusia County Council on Aging, 420 Fentress Blvd, Daytona Beach

Mail completed form back to the Emergency Operations Center.

How to register (Flagler County)

For Flagler Beach residents and others in Flagler County:

Online: flaglercounty.gov/government/emergency-services/emergency-management/special-needs-program
Phone: (386) 313-4200

The Flagler form is slightly shorter than Volusia's but covers the same essential information.

Annual renewal

Both Registries require annual renewal. The county sends a renewal notice typically in March or April; respond promptly so you're active by June 1.

Things that should trigger an off-cycle update:

Address change
New medical condition or equipment
New medication that's electric- or refrigerator-dependent
Change in emergency contact
Becoming/ceasing to be a caregiver-supported household

TrustWise + Registry integration

Every TrustWise client receives, at no charge:

Registry application assistance if not already enrolled
Annual renewal reminder so the listing doesn't lapse
Caregiver coordination during storm events — whether the caregiver shelters in place, evacuates with the client, or pauses service
Post-storm wellness check integrated with the county's check

We treat Registry enrollment as part of intake for any client who qualifies. If your loved one is on TrustWise care and qualifies for the Registry, we will not let them go into hurricane season unregistered.

What about Daytona-area assisted living facilities and nursing homes?

If your loved one is in an assisted living facility (ALF), memory care, or nursing home, the facility has its own emergency plan and the Registry is handled by the facility administrator. You don't need to register separately — but ask the facility for the written plan, including evacuation destination, transport arrangements, and family communication procedures during the storm.

Bottom line

The Volusia Special Needs Registry takes 15 minutes to complete and is the single most important hurricane-season task for a vulnerable senior. Free. Easy. Maintained by the county. If your loved one isn't on it and qualifies, do this today — not when storms are forming.

We're happy to walk you through it. Just call.

Reviewed by the TrustWise Care clinical team.

Volusia County Special Needs Registry — How to Register a Senior Loved One