Evacuation Centers/Shelters vs. Post-Storm Shelters: Knowing the Difference

October 8, 2024 – As we all prepare for Hurricane Milton to make landfall in Florida, please keep in mind that there is an important distinction between pre-storm evacuation centers/shelters and post-storm shelters.

Evacuation centers/shelters provide a safe place to stay for those who don’t feel safe, people who are displaced and those whose homes prior to a storm are in a mandatory evacuation zone. They typically are only meant to house people for 12-72 hours until the storm moves through. Because these centers/shelters must open quickly, it may not be possible to provide a cot and blanket for each person and it may not be practical to move in supplies for such a short-term.

Post-storm shelters are available for people who have been evacuated and are unable to reach their homes or whose homes are unlivable. Post-storm shelters will open within 72 hours after landfall and provide sleeping support items such as cots, blankets and pillows, meals, shower facilities, medical services and other support services.

Working with the applicable county, the American Red Cross strives to transition Evacuation Centers/Shelters into Post-Storm Shelters as soon as possible.

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation)
  • Food: non-perishable, 3-day supply for evacuation and other special food items
  • Bedding/sleeping items
  • Prescription and emergency medications for all family members
  • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene products
  • Personal care and other comfort items
  • Photo ID, cash
  • Extra clothing
  • Special items for infants, like diapers, baby food, medication
  • Family pets: kennel, food and special medication*
  • Power cords for portable electronics

You can find the nearest shelter to you by going to redcross.org/shelter or by looking in our free Red Cross emergency app. You can download the free app by texting GETEMERGENCY to 90999 or by going to RedCross.org/Apps or in the virtual stores of Apple App and Google Play.

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