With severe weather season approaching, counties are saying they want to be prepared.

Natural disasters can leave people stranded, and leaders in Jackson County say they want to be able to help everyone.

That's why they created a Special Needs Registry system.

With an application, people who have special needs can let rescuers in Jackson County know exactly where they're located and what their needs are.

Tornadoes, floods and blizzards. We've seen all types of natural disasters in Wisconsin, but now emergency management leaders in Jackson County have a new system in place, to save lives.

"That gives us, as emergency responders, a database of information in advance of an event,” said Emergency Management Coordinator John Ross.

Jackson County is taking applications from people with special needs, so when an emergency strikes, they can better help those people who may need extra help.

"When we're dealing with emergencies, everybody has different needs. But there's special population out there that may have something particular that they may not be able to access emergency care for,” said Public Health Manager Christine Hovell.

She says it not only helps the people, but it helps emergency crews as well.

"Responders may not be able to get right out to somebody, but certainly there will be a mechanism in place to make sure that they're checked on,” said Hovell.

But Ross says the new system is only one piece of the preparedness puzzle.

"It's not meant to replace these residence's existing support systems. Everybody should have a plan, an individual plan. Have a disaster kit, be ready,” he said.

People in Jackson County can get Special Needs Registry applications from the Health and Human Services Department as well as from home care agencies.

You can also download the application from the Emergency Management website.