As tropical weather activity increases in the Atlantic, the Liberty and Long County Health Departments have an urgent reminder: if you have medical or physical challenges and no way to evacuate the county, you must apply in advance for the Hurricane Registry for those with Functional, Access, or Medical Needs.

The health department maintains the Hurricane Registry, which is a list of residents who may require transport and medical assistance during a hurricane evacuation and have no other resources such as family, friends, neighbors, or church members to help them if they need to evacuate.

Currently, no evacuations have been ordered for our area. Even if there are no local impacts from this storm, it is still important to apply early for the registry, so you’ll be prepared for any future hurricane evacuations. With this or any storm, the Hurricane Registry will be closed approximately 72 hours before the arrival of tropical storm force winds as plans are finalized for the transportation and safe shelter of the registrants.

Functional and Access Needs registrants are individuals who may need services to maintain their independence in a shelter. This includes children and adults with physical, sensory, mental health, and cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities affecting their ability to function independently without assistance. Medical Needs registrants are individuals who require support of trained medical professionals. This includes those individuals who may need assistance with managing unstable, terminal, or contagious conditions that require observation and ongoing treatment.

Residents can download a registration form at gachd.org/registry or apply over the phone at 1-833-CHD-REGISTER (1-833-243-7344).