Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry  

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) have joined together to develop a registry for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other special healthcare needs. This system is designed to identify individuals who require special assistance during emergencies. Enrollment in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, but allows first responders to appropriately plan for, prepare for, and respond to the needs of the community.

Who Should Enroll

Any individual, regardless of age, who has a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or may require additional assistance during a time of emergency. Some examples include people who:

• Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;
• Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other mobility device;
• Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or Deaf;
• Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; or
• Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.

If an individual cannot complete the enrollment form themselves, a family member, caregiver, or authorized representative can enroll the individual on their behalf. While enrollment in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, it allows first responders to appropriately plan, prepare for, and respond to the needs of the community.

How Your Information Is Used

The information submitted to the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry is shared with local and state first responders and emergency management officials. These officials utilize the information to plan for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies. Additionally, HEALTH and RIEMA have worked with E-911 to notify first responders when they are responding to a household that may have someone enrolled in the Registry. This notification allows first responders additional time to consider how to best respond to that incident. Please note that strict confidentiality is maintained at all times and only those that have a reason to access the information are authorized to do so.

Enrollment Forms

You can enroll in the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry online. However, if you are unable to complete the online form, a paper form is available.

Personal Preparedness Recommendations

If you or someone in your family has a special healthcare need, remember to take it into consideration when preparing your emergency supply kit. If you take medication or use a medical treatment on a regular basis, be sure you have what you need to care for yourself for at least three days.

Some common items that you should consider having in your home include extra:

• eyeglasses
• hearing aids and hearing aid batteries
• wheelchair batteries
• oxygen

Other things to collect and keep handy include:

• a list of prescriptions, including dosage and treatment
• a list of allergies
• copies of your health insurance card(s)
• contact information for your doctors, pharmacist, and medical supply providers

If you have an assistive animal, be sure to include:

• food and water
• collar with ID tag
• proof of rabies vaccination
• other emergency pet supplies