Volusia County Hurricane Milton Shelter Tips

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Posted On: October 9, 2024

As Hurricane Milton approaches, residents are urged to prepare accordingly if they are evacuating to a shelter. Knowing how to navigate the shelter experience can make a significant difference during this stressful time. While shelters are stocked with necessities, including food, water, and a place to sleep, they are not homes or hotels. These accommodations are for survival and are oftentimes crowded and provide little privacy or comfort.

Know Your Local Shelter Locations:
Stay informed about nearby shelters by visiting www.volusia.org and prepare with essential items:

• Folding lounge chair, air mattress or cot along with bedding, pillow, and blanket
• Special dietary food, snacks, and comfort food
• Extra clothing
• Medications and medical supplies
• Oxygen supplies
• Toiletry items
• A charger for your phone and laptop
• Flashlight and batteries
• Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
• Important papers, credit cards, cash and identification

If you have children, include items that will make them feel secure, such as toys, books, or blankets. Earbuds to listen to music or to help with sleep are also encouraged.

Stay Informed:
Monitor local news and weather updates for real-time information about the storm and shelter operations. Follow guidance from local authorities regarding evacuation orders and shelter availability.

Follow Shelter Guidelines:
When you arrive at a shelter, adhere to the rules and guidelines provided by shelter staff. They are there to help ensure your safety and comfort. Be prepared for limited space and communal living arrangements. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, smoking materials, vaping devices, valuables, weapons, excessive or heavy luggage.

Keep Communication Open:
Let friends and family know your whereabouts. If possible, use social media or text messages to keep them updated on your situation, as phone lines may be congested during a storm.

Pet friendly shelters:
Pets will be accepted at Deland High School, Mainland High School, and Volusia County Fairground shelters, as well as all Special Needs Shelters. Owners must bring a few days' worth of pet food and prescription pet meds, food bowls and water bowls, leashes and collars for each pet, Pet ID tags filled out with contact information, drinking water, potty pads or cat litter, crates, and copies of pet medical records.

Transportation to shelters
Votran and Volusia County Schools will provide free transportation to public shelters. All Votran bus stops are evacuation assembly points during an evacuation order. Bus space is limited. Evacuees should take only essential items, such as personal identification, food, bedding, clothing, and medications. Carry-on items are limited to a pillow, blanket, and one carry-on bag (not larger than 22" x 16" x 8"). Residents can also bring a folding chair (i.e. lounge chair to sit or sleep on).

Volusia County staff will continue coordinating with state officials and the National Weather Service to assess potential local impacts from the storm. The Citizens Information Center (CIC) is open 24/7 until further notice, residents can reach the CIC at 866-345-0345. Residents can stay updated by downloading the Volusia Emergency Management app, following the County's social media channels, or visiting www.volusia.org.