EMERGENCY ACTION PLANNING > Blog > Shelter > SHELTERS ARE PACKED
SHELTERS ARE PACKED
If the need comes to evacuate before or during an emergency or disaster you will need to find shelter.
Copyright: konstantinks / 123RF Stock Photo
Most communities have facilities identified as emergency shelters. These facilities are usually schools or other suitable publicly accessible buildings. Once inside you will probably only have 10 square feet of space per person and your possessions. Ten square feet is 1’x10’or 2’x5’.
Inside you may find food, water, sanitation facilities, a cot, pillow and blanket. Or you might not.
When searching for shelters in your community, a call to the local Office of Emergency Management (OEM) might produce a list of location that have been identified within your community. If so, then it would be prudent to physically locate them and learn the route or routes necessary to get to them if need be.
Keep in mind that last year’s shelter might not be on the approved list this year. There can be many reasons for this. Each shelter must meet a certification standard to be acceptable.
These standards are based on structural requirements for the facility based on their occupancy load and duration of use.
Wind Loads
Windborne Debris Impact
Foundations and Floor Slabs
Or, how much damage can the facility take before it fails.
Public shelter design criteria for Florida can be downloaded here;
Other states may have different criteria depending on the shelter needs of the community.
Traditionally the American Red Cross is the organization that manages these facilities when needed. A phone call to your local chapter may be beneficial for locating these shelters.
Note; during my personal research in various communities I have found that some agencies will not disclose shelter locations prior to their need. This is usually community specific.
Be aware that pets probably will not be allowed within. If you have a service animal you will need papers proving it.
You will be housed with a large number of strangers and there will be the need for a certain amount of cultural etiquette to remain in the shelter. The food will meet minimum standards and the sanitation facilities will not be private.
If a public shelter is not your cup of tea, alternative sheltering may be necessary.
Shelter in place
Family/Friends outside of the affected area
Hotels/Motels outside of the affected area
Churches
Home Host Programs
Take a trip down memory lane and Google “Katrina Shelter”. Take a look at what might be in store for you if you live in a major metropolitan area and decide to wait until it is too late to leave.
Call your OEM and the ARC now to discover the facilities available and determine if you want to be there. If not make alternate plans now.
Till Next Time
“Be Safe”