Staying in an evacuation shelter is not something anyone wants to do, but in an emergency it may be necessary. Learn what to bring with you and how to cope in a crisis.
No one likes to think about having to evacuate during a natural disaster, but knowing what to expect is important. If you are unable to evacuate the area, you may need to take refuge in a local shelter. Check with your local emergency management center for a list of shelters near you and begin making your evacuation plan now, before the emergency strikes.
Most shelters don’t allow pets for health and safety reasons, so you’ll need to plan in advance for your pet’s needs. Consider boarding your pet with a kennel, or see if a friend can take care of your pet. Don’t leave your pet to fend for itself.
Shelters are cramped, crowded, noisy, and stuffy. People handle stressful situations differently, and some will appear to be nervous or agitated. Tempers may flare. There will be long lines to restrooms and not much privacy. Don’t expect showers or hot meals. Luxury goes out the window during an emergency.
Listen to the emergency personnel. They will have important news and instructions during the emergency that you need to know about. Be prepared to act quickly should they need to move everyone to a new location. Don’t leave the shelter until told it is safe to do so.
Basic Items to Bring With You
Space is limited in shelters, so bring only the essentials.
- Identification
- A change of clothes, rain gear, and good walking shoes
- A sleeping bag, extra blanket, and small pillow
- Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
- Cash, checkbooks, and credit cards (during a power outage, cash may be your only option)
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Toiletries such as toothpaste/toothbrush, contact lense solution, toilet paper (they may run out) and hand sanitizer
- Important papers such as birth certificates, social security cards, insurance papers, titles and deeds, bank certificates, etc. (store them in a plastic envelope or binder to help protect them)
- Baby food/formula and diapers
- Important phone numbers for contacting family, insurance companies, and banks
Recommended Items
- Non-perishable food, can opener, snacks, bottled water, and plastic utensils
- Radio and headphones
- First-aid kit
- Plastic envelope or binder for important papers
- Moist towelettes
- Small, battery-operated fan (shelters get hot, especially during power outages)
- Ear plugs or sleep mask
- Books, small toys, hand-held games, and puzzle books
Practice Patience
You may be in the shelter for several days. Remember to be respectful and considerate of others. Try to remain calm, and offer help where needed. It may not be an ideal situation, but try to make the best of things until the crisis passes.
