Kansas Division of Emergency Management wants residents to register their special needs to ensure they receive proper assistance during an emergency.

Registration is free, and information is only available to public safety agencies. The database is part of the Vulnerable Needs Planning System, a planning tool to help emergency management professionals meet the needs of vulnerable people during disasters and emergencies.

“If you or someone you know has a special need, perhaps mobility issues, oxygen usage or communication difficulties, please take advantage of this system to ensure emergency personnel are aware of your situation,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

KDEM introduced the system last September, and the agency wants to make sure people are aware of the system.

“We decided to urge people to register because of the flooding that’s going on in northeast Kansas,” said Sharon Watson, public affairs director for KDEM.

In addition to the special needs registry, the Vulnerable Needs Planning System also features a volunteer and facility registry. The volunteer registry is part of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s K-Serv, a statewide database of volunteers with medical or emergency backgrounds. The facility registry informs the state of facilities currently serving people with special needs, as well as resources facilities can provide during an emergency.

To register, call 211 or visit helpmekansas.org.