Miami-Dade: Free Evacuation Aid for Vulnerable Residents

Miami-Dade County offers a critical free service for residents unable to evacuate on their own during emergencies. The Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) provides specialized transportation and shelter for those with disabilities, medical needs, or mobility challenges. This program is vital for ensuring all vulnerable populations can safely leave affected areas.

The EEAP is managed by the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management. While registration remains open throughout the year, it is imperative that residents sign up well in advance of any potential evacuation orders. Waiting until a hurricane is imminent to apply could delay critical assistance.

Eligibility extends to residents in private homes needing specialized transport, those homebound, lacking personal assistance, or reliant on medical equipment. Individuals with ongoing medical conditions requiring supervision during evacuation also qualify. The program emphasizes that each household member needing assistance must apply individually.

Crucially, residents of assisted living facilities and nursing homes are not eligible for EEAP. These facilities are independently responsible for their own emergency preparedness and evacuation protocols. The county also reiterated in May 2026 the importance of early registration for those needing electricity-dependent medical equipment.

Assistance includes transportation, shelter, and post-disaster check-ins, with medical treatment incurring standard healthcare charges. Online registration via the EEAP portal is the fastest method, with applications available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Paper applications can also be mailed.