Fairfax County defines a person with medical needs as a person who has a high-risk health condition that is either temporary or chronic who cannot manage for themselves in a shelter or evacuation center and will require assistance in performing the activities of daily living and/or will require care for and the monitoring of a health condition. For example: people with mobility impairment; people with condition which make them dependent on electricity; people with medical conditions that will require additional support during emergencies.

Medical Needs Brochure (PDF Format)

Medical Needs Video

Social Needs refers to people considered to be vulnerable, at-risk, or hard to reach in the event of an emergency, but who are not medically dependent. These people may require targeted communication, transportation support, or sheltering in the event of an emergency. The nature of the assistance provided to people with social needs will be determined by the individual, the emergency and the resources available to the county.

Social Needs Brochure (PDF Format)

Social Needs Video