The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management works with
the Seminole County School Board, the Central Florida Chapter of
the American Red Cross, the Seminole County Health Department
and many other local agencies and volunteers in making shelters
available.
What
Public Shelters Are / Are Not:
Public shelters are a refuge for those seeking
temporary safety from a disaster or emergency. People going to a
public shelter are doing so because they have been ordered to
evacuate or left their home believing that remaining there was
unsafe.
Shelters offer minimal necessities. They are
often noisy and crowded. They could be hot, or they could be
cold. Usually, they are uncomfortable. Shelters are not intended to make
available more than minimal needs; a roof overhead, relative
safety, restrooms and some food and water.
When to go to a shelter
You should go to a shelter because the authorities have ordered an
evacuation of the area in which you reside. You should go to a
public shelter when traveling and determining that wind,
flooding or other conditions are such that continued travel is
unsafe. You know your own home best. You should go to a public
shelter when you determine that conditions at or around your
home are no longer safe. Don't wait and try to leave to late.
There are four types of public shelters
1.
General Population Shelters –
These shelters are commonly referred to as a public
shelters. These are pre-identified, have been inspected by
the American Red Cross to meet its standards, and have a
minimum of trained shelter management staff. They have
restrooms and the ability to prepare or distribute limited
cold meals. There may be a nurse on duty depending on the
size of the shelter.
2.
Special Needs Shelters - These shelters are not
for the general public. They are for people who are listed
on the Seminole County Special Needs registry as having
specific medical, physical or mental conditions that make it
difficult for them to utilize a public shelter. The Seminole
County Office of Emergency Management maintains a
registry of those who should be accommodated in a Special
Needs Shelter. Those persons who arrive at the shelter and
have not been registered or are determined not to require
special sheltering by the shelter management will be
redirected to a general population public shelter.
3.
Pet-Friendly Shelters – These shelters allow
citizens the opportunity to bring “other” family members to
a safe haven. All animals must have crates, food, and
medical records. Pets are stored in a safe location away
from the human population. Visitation is allowed at any
time, but owners are not allowed to sleep in the pet portion
of the shelter.
4.
Shelter of Last Resort - These shelters have not
been inspected and approved as shelters by the American Red
Cross. They do not have a pre-assigned and trained shelter
management team. Often they will have no kitchen and limited
restroom facilities. As the name implies, they are truly a
last resort. They are intended to offer shelter from rain
and winds and little more. They are expected for use by
evacuees in terms of hours, not days. If inclement weather
is forecasted, shelters of last resort can be sought in a
library, mall, church, or community center. Find the closest
facility to your home and know the operating hours.
Shelter Staff
Shelter
management and staff are provided by the Seminole County School
Board. They are augmented by American Red Cross volunteers,
nursing staff from the Seminole County Health Department, and
individual volunteers.
Food and Water
Public shelters open with what food and water is on hand. There
is always the possibility that the water system may be
interrupted. The original food could be used before additional
supplies arrive. Those planning on using a public shelter should
be prepared to take food and water with them. Plan to have one
gallon of water a day per person.
Location of Shelters / Planning
The Seminole County School Board furnishes public shelters.
Shelters are strategically located around Seminole County to
provide a safe haven in densely populated areas. Persons living
in rural areas of the County may have to travel a distance, so
plan accordingly.
When will they open?
Public shelterswill be opened based on the community
need. Not all shelters are opened simultaneously.
There are few times when all shelters will be opened. For
instance, if a coastal evacuation were ordered, many, if not all,
Seminole County public shelters may be opened to
accommodate the arriving evacuees from other counties.
How will I know what shelter is opened?
The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management will notify
the public of which shelters will be used and when they will
open. This will include the notification of the news media, the
Web site, Citizens Information Hotline (3-1-1) and Seminole
Government Television (SGTV).
Shelter Rule
1.
You MUST sign in upon arriving and sign
out upon leaving
2.
No alcohol or non-prescriptions drugs
3.
No smoking is permitted inside of the
shelters
4.
No guns or weapons
5.
No disorderly or disruptive behavior
6.
Shelter users must be respectful of the
building and grounds
7.
Be courteous and respectful to others
Shelter Supply List
A 3-day supply of water. Plan on
one gallon of water per day per person
Baby formula, diapers and other
needs
A 3-day supply of non-perishable
food per person
Manual can opener, paper plates,
paper towels, plastic cups and plastic ware (knives,
forks and spoons)
A 3-day supply of medications
Personal grooming and hygiene items
Specialty items and feminine
supplies
Extra pair of eyes glasses
Flash light with batteries
Bedding: Pillow w/case, sheets,
blankets
Sleeping bag, air mattress
Lawn chair / chaise lounge
Books, magazines, playing cards,
board games
Extra clothing
Personal identification and
important papers/documents
Wheelchair or walker, if needed
Oxygen, if needed
Emergency Management
150 Bush Blvd
Sanford, Florida 32773
(407) 665-5102
150 Bush Blvd