Shelter Savvy

Think comfort and personal needs as you pack.

If you evacuate and can't find refuge with a friend, co- worker, relative or at a hotel outside the evacuation zone, a public shelter should keep you safe, but not in luxury.

What should I bring to the shelter?

In addition to a container with your important documents, records and family keepsakes, you should bring prescription medications, clothing, bedding, something to keep yourself entertained, any special food you need, flashlights and batteries.

Be sure a family member stays with the documents at all times. Bring identification because you won't be allowed back into evacuated areas without it.

You cannot bring pets, guns or alcohol to a public shelter.

What should I do before I leave the house?

Secure your house by putting shutters on the windows and clearing the yard of anything wind could toss around. Take precautions against flooding.

Make sure your vehicles have gas.

Unplug major appliances and electronics. If you have natural gas or propane, turn it off. Shut off the water either at the meter or at the house. Throw the circuit breakers to cut off power.

Tell someone out of the area where you are going. Lock your house when you leave.

Will I be fed at the shelter?

Yes, but because most shelters are at schools, it won't be fine dining. It will be simple fare and may be cold food.

If you have any special dietary needs or food allergies, you will need to bring food with you. Snacks also will be helpful, both as variety and to combat boredom.

What will I sleep on?

It's up to you to bring bedding. Shelters usually do not provide beds or cots, so you will sleep on the floor.

You should have pillows, sheets or blankets. Inflatable mattresses are compact and light. Folding patio lounges also can be used.

You will be kept in hallways and rooms away from windows. Buildings and rooms with large roofs, such as gyms or auditoriums, are not as safe.

It could be crowded. Shelter capacity is figured at 10 square feet per person.

How long will I have to stay?

Bring clothes and toiletries to last at least three days.

No one will be allowed back into evacuated areas until the storm has passed, flooding goes down, roads are safe, downed power lines are no longer dangerous, and search and rescue work is finished.

Evacuation orders normally are lifted so people can return in the daylight and not head back into damaged areas in the dark.

Boredom could become a problem, so have books, cards and quiet games for yourself and children. If you bring a battery-powered CD player, be sure to bring headphones out of courtesy to others.

Well, at least I can grab a smoke, right?

No way. Smoking is prohibited at all public shelters. Since most are at public schools, smoking is prohibited any place on school property. And going outside during a hurricane for a cigarette is dangerous.