Public Shelter Information
When to Use Shelters
Public emergency shelters are a last resort for people who must evacuate and cannot stay with family, friends or at a hotel outside of the mandated evacuation zone(s). They are intended only for residents who are in zones ordered to evacuate, or who are dependent on electricity for home medical needs, or who live in homes and manufactured housing susceptible to wind damage. Convenience and comfort items will be minimal.
Shelter Locations
Shelters will be open 24/7 when in use. Nobody will be turned away. Stay safe when traveling to a shelter.
For a MAP of emergency shelters, go to HCFL Gov dot net slash Stay Safe, click on Storm Safety Information, then click “Find My Evacuation Zone”, then again click Find My Evacuation Zone. You can type in any Hillsborough County address and find the nearest shelters. Or, I can advise you of the nearest sheltering options. (Provide caller with location of open shelters nearest to them. This map is also called the Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool “HEAT” map for short.)
COVID-19/Coronavirus Precautions
Our public emergency shelters have implemented COVID-19 precautions:
There will be health screenings and temperature checks upon arrival, as well as each day at the shelter.
There are separate spaces for individuals who screen as high-risk for having COVID-19. Anyone who is known to have COVID-19 will be referred to a “non-congregate” (isolated) sheltering facility or will be isolated onsite.
Masks are strongly recommended but not required.
Hand washing and sanitizing options will be readily available.
What to Take
(Read the list of supplies below. You may advise callers to go online to Ready.gov/Kit if they don’t want to write everything down during this call.)
When going to a public shelter, bring only essential items, including the following:
Masks are strongly recommend at shelters but not required.
Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies for your family’s use.
All medicines, essential personal supplies and hygiene items.
Any special dietary foods you may require.
Baby supplies if applicable.
Important papers, including your driver’s license or government-issued ID, special medical information, insurance policies, property inventories, and your insurance agent’s name and number.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring a few changes of clothes and one pair of extra footwear for each person.
Bedding or sleeping bags if you have them.
Non-perishable snacks and beverages. It’s best not to count on the shelter to provide these. Supplies can become limited.
Magazines, books, cards, games, small toys, and other activities to help you pass the time.