An Okanogan County special needs registry has been started to help emergency services planners identify and help people needing help in case of disaster or other community emergency.
     People on the registry provide information on whether they need help evacuating during a major emergency. Planners also seek information on whether a registrant needs special notification because of impairment, language barrier or physical challenges, if electricity is needed for specialized equipment or if there are other concerns.
     Such a registry has been in the planning stages for some time, but came into being last summer while county emergency services personnel were working with the Methow Valley community emergency plan committee on developing a new plan for that area, according to an announcement from the Okanogan County emergency services office.
     "We had all the key players review the form and program," the announcement continued. "Gathered pro and cons, and launched the program. We had our first individual signed up in Aug 2007."
     As of mid-March, 17 people had signed up.
     Methow Valley Family Practice, The County Clinic, Allied Medical Equipment, Family Health Centers, The Cove and the Okanogan School District special services are helping to get the forms out to the public, and forms also are available on the office's Web site, www.okanogandem.org, or from the sheriff's office.
     Group meeting were conducted at senior centers.
     Information collected will be kept confidential and secure, and will be used only for emergency preparedness response, according to the emergency services office.
     Individuals may enroll themselves or others for whom they have legal responsibility.
     More information is available from Glenda M. Beauregard, 422-7206.