Overview
A basic emergency management function is to
coordinate the opening and operating of public shelters. Many
shelters in Virginia operate under a management system developed by
the American Red Cross (ARC). Shelter staffing can include any
combination of municipal, social services, and school employees
with ARC volunteers.
Concerning shelter operations, there are a number of points that
require clarification for the public:
- Emergency shelters provide emergency, short-term shelter to the
public.
-
Emergency shelters outside the storm surge and
flood zones provide a safer place for people who must leave the
hazard areas. All shelters in the path of a hurricane are subject
to high winds.
-
Individuals coming to shelters must bring a
complete supply of items to support their stay in the shelter.
Emergency shelters provide no cots or bedding. Supplies such as
food and water may not be available.
-
Pets cannot go to the shelters. Individuals need
to consider other options that include kennels or the SPCA. Only
daily living assistance animals can stay with their owner in the
shelter.
(see also Pets and Animals below)
-
Emergency shelters operate under ARC guidelines
and provide basic first aid only. Individuals receiving home health
care should consult their physician or home health provider
concerning plans for health care needs and possible evacuation
during an emergency.
(see also People with Special Needs)
- In major hurricanes, inland host shelters will be available in
central and western Virginia.
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Emergency Shelter Listings
Each locality has identified a listing of
facilities (usually public schools) that become emergency shelters.
However, some of these facilities may not open for hurricanes.
Consequently, to avoid public confusion and a risk to public
safety, the public needs to listen to local radio and TV for the
listing of shelters that will open and when they will open. If they
miss the announcement, they should call the public information
number for their jurisdiction to confirm shelter openings and
locations. Emergency managers weigh the need for timely decisions
in opening of shelters to provide the public with enough
forewarning to plan accordingly.
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In-place Sheltering
or Staying at Home
People who live in storm surge zones receive a
great deal of information on various sheltering options, but
everyone in coastal Virginia is at some level of risk. This means
everyone needs to do preparedness even if your home is reasonably
safe and outside flood zones. A new idea for hurricane preparedness
is the safe room. The concept comes from the tornado regions of the
Midwest where residents learn to identify a central area in a
structure away from windows and doors and on the first floor.
Bathrooms, central hallway closets, or areas under stairwells
provide the best locations. In hurricanes, families move into these
areas with their disaster supply kits, flashlights, and portable
radios or NOAA weather radios and stay there through the peak of
the storm. This area not only provides protection from the wind,
but also from tornadoes associated with hurricanes.
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Pets and Animals in Disasters
Because pets are not allowed in the shelters,
people need to plan alternative care for their dog, cat, or birds
before they go to the public shelter. One avenue is to check with
the local veterinarian or kennel to see if they can manage
additional boarders. Pet owners should attach city or county
registration and identification tags securely to the pet's collar.
Vaccinations should be current. Owners of large animals, such as
horses, should also have a plan and make necessary arrangements for
their animals. For information on pet care, people should contact
their veterinarian or Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to
Animals (SPCA).
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Last Update: 30 May 2008
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