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Some emergencies may require that you leave your home and travel to an emergency shelter. The American Red Cross has a list of shelter sites appropriate for various types of disasters. Local officials will inform you when sheltering is necessary.

DISASTER SHELTERING GUIDELINES:

  • If you can, try to seek shelter with friends or relatives outside the affected area.
  • Shelters can be set up in schools, municipal buildings and places of worship. They can provide basic food, medicine and water. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, special food and pre-filled prescriptions and other medications to shelters.
  • Alcoholic beverages, firearms and illegal substances are not allowed in emergency shelters.
  • You cannot bring pets to most shelters. For more information on animals, see TIPS FOR PET OWNERS.
  • Take your Go Bag to the shelter with you.
  • Cooperate with shelter managers and other people in order to make a difficult situation less stressful.
  • Remember shelter sites change based on the emergency, so stay tuned to the local news.