The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh

Effingham County Hurricane Registry Information

Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, but the Hurricane Registry for those with functional, access, or medical needs is open all year long. If you live in Effingham County and think you may qualify, we urge you to apply for the Hurricane Registry NOW. Residents should apply BEFORE a storm is threatening our area.

How the Hurricane Registry Works

The Hurricane Registry is a list maintained by the health departments in the 8 Georgia counties of the Coastal Health District. The list includes residents with certain healthcare conditions who may need transportation or medical assistance and have no resources such as family members, neighbors, or friends to help them evacuate if a hurricane is threatening. Residents must apply to be on the Registry. Residents who meet the criteria and get on the Registry will be evacuated when there is serious threat of a hurricane.

Registrants with Functional/Access Needs

Registrants with functional or access needs may include children or adults with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities who need assistance with the activities of daily living, such as: 

These registrants may be evacuated to a gymnasium type setting far enough inland so  they are safe from the storm. The accommodations at the shelter will be basic (a cot with 20-40 square feet of space, bathroom facilities, meals, etc.) and the shelter may be several hours away.

Registrants with Medical Needs

Medical needs registrants typically require support of trained medical professionals. They may need help with things like IV medication, tube feeding, receiving dialysis and oxygen, and operating power-dependent equipment to sustain life.  These registrants may be taken to a pre-identified safe location which could be located several hours inland.

Please note that anyone who lives in a nursing home, assisted living, or personal care facility is not eligible for the registry and must follow their facility’s emergency plan.


How to Apply

The Registry is truly a last resort, but it’s important that local emergency management agency and public health officials have a list of residents who have certain needs and absolutely no other way to evacuate.

The time to apply for the Registry is when there are no storms threatening. It is important to note that Registry applications will stop being accepted 72 hours prior to the arrival of tropical storm force winds.

To apply, residents can call toll-free, 1-833-CHD-REGISTER (1-833-243-7344). A representative will take some basic information and then your local health department will follow up with you to complete the application.

The application and authorization for release of protected health information can also be downloaded here:

When both the Hurricane Registry Registration and Consent form and the Protected Health Information authorization forms have been completed, please take them to your health department*, mail, or fax them to:
Effingham Co. Health Dept.
Attn: Cindy Grovenstein, R.N.
P.O. Box 350
Springfield, GA 31329
FAX: 912-754-7623

*If you intend to drop off the application, please call the health department first to schedule an appointment. Because of coronavirus concerns, walk-in visits are not permitted at this time. 


Want More Information?

Get even more information on our Hurricane Registry Resources page, where we have FAQ sheets in English and Spanish, flyers you can download and print, evacuation checklists, and videos about the registry.

Visit the Hurricane Registry Resources Page

(Registry application updated 2018)