If you need help finding shelter, call 1-855-4SC-DHEC (472-3432) and tell them you need help with ‘shelter’ due to the storm.

The Care Line will be open for calls 24 hours a day beginning Wednesday, Aug. 30, until no longer needed. DHEC will notify residents when the Care Line resumes its regular hours and services. 

For more information about Hurricane Idalia, visit scemd.org or scdhec.gov/Idalia

DHEC’s Care Line helps residents find important health care services they need. Services include prenatal care, infant health care, transportation to medical appointments, family planning, well child check-ups, vaccinations, services for children with special health care needs, and much more. Learn more.

Family Connection of South Carolina wants you to be prepared. Follow these steps to prepare for an emergency or disaster, with your child’s special health care needs or disability in mind.

Pack an Emergency Supply Kit. If you have a child with special needs, there are probably items that need to be included in addition to the supplies needed for a general disaster kit.

General Information and Supplies:

  • A current copy of your child’s Care Plan, including the In Case of Emergency Form.
  • Current medical information and records stored on a CD, flash drive or phone app (keep one paper copy in a waterproof bag).
  • Batteries for hearing aids and communication devices.
  • Special dietary foods and supplies.
  • Items that calm or entertain your child.
  • Identification to be carried by each child in case your family gets separated.

Power Supplies:

  • An AC adaptor for your car to charge small electrical equipment such as a nebulizer.
  • Battery powered versions of medical equipment your child uses.
  • Manual wheelchair or other non-electric equipment.

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Medical Supplies and Medications:

  • Talk with your child’s doctor about how to get an emergency supply of medicines. If your child takes medicine given by a clinic or hospital, talk with them about how to plan for a stoppage due to a disaster.
  • Ask your pharmacist how long the medicine can last and storage needs of the medicines.
  • Keep a two-week supply of medical care items such as needles, nasal cannulas, bandages, etc.
  • Keep a cooler and chemical ice packs for storing medications that must be kept cold.
  • Keep prescription information in your wallet, survival kit and car that includes the name, location and phone number of an out of town pharmacy.

For a more comprehensive list, visit The Center for Children with Special Needs

Emergency Preparedness Resource List

Special Needs Information

General Emergency Preparedness Information

Have other questions?
Call our Support and Information Line at 1-800-578-8750.
Para Español: 1-888-808-7462