Many residents can safely shelter at home in the event of a hurricane or other emergency; others are required to evacuate. Evacuation can be especially difficult for residents who are disabled, have special medical needs, or are otherwise vulnerable during an emergency. Shelters provide residents basic protection from a storm and assistance as necessary to help them get through the emergency. Residents who must evacuate their home have several options to consider:
Option One – Stay with Family or Friends Outside the Evacuation Zone
This is your first, best choice and where you will be most comfortable.
Option Two – Stay in a General Population Shelter
General Population shelters provide a basic level of care and are open to all. No pre-registration is required. If you have a self-managed health condition or disability, you will likely be able to shelter comfortably in a General Population shelter. Provisions at the shelter will be very limited. Cots and bottled water are not provided. Bring identification and comfort items such as bedding (air mattress, blankets and pillows), folding chair, special dietary foods (if needed), snacks, bottled water, medications, etc. Learn more and see the list of items you should bring to the shelter
here. When you arrive at the shelter, be sure to tell shelter personnel what your needs are. If you need transfer assistance, sign language interpretation and other auxiliary aids, or a quiet zone for a cognitive disability or mental health need, call 311 or 954-831-4000 for the most updated information.
View Shelter Locations
Service animals are permitted in General Population Shelters if the animal meets
ADA Requirements for Service Animals . Some General Population Shelters have been designated Pet-Friendly Shelters and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for residents owning pets that are not considered service animals. Pets accepted include dogs, cats, domestic birds, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice and hamsters. All pets must be in a carrier/crate and all dogs must have a collar with leash. Evacuees must show proof of rabies certificate for dogs and cats. Residents should also be prepared to show their pet's Broward County Registration Tag. Evacuees should bring necessary care supplies for a week such as, supply of food and water, food/water bowls, cat litter and litter box, medicine, cleaning supplies, etc.
Staying with family or friends, at a hotel or at a pet-friendly hotel outside an evacuation zone is still your first and best option. If you are traveling with pets, there are links to several helpful online resources to plan your trip on Broward County's
A-Z Guide (see Animals, Additional Resources).
Option Three – Stay in a Special Needs Shelter
If you are dependent on electricity for your medical needs or have a medical condition that cannot be supported at a General Population shelter, you should plan ahead.
Visit
Broward.org/AtRisk to pre-register for the Broward County Special Needs Emergency Sheltering and Transportation Program. You can also call the Broward County Office of Emergency Management at 954-831-3902 to request that an application be mailed to you. The medical information your physician provides on the application will be reviewed by the nursing team at the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, and you will receive notification of your assignment.
If you need transportation to your assigned location, you should make arrangements in advance as part of the Special Needs shelter application process. Transportation is coordinated by Broward County Paratransit or the Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, depending on your level of need.
Emergency shelters are a service of the Broward County Commission and the Broward County School Board.
