Public Shelters

There are three types of evacuation shelters available to the public; Primary Evacuation Shelters, Special Needs Shelters and Pet-friendly Shelters. You can find a list of public shelters online at the Brevard Emergency Management Web site: brevardcounty.us/EmergencyManagement/Preparedness/Shelters

“Don’t Leave Home Without Them!”

An Evacuation Shelter is not intended to be comfortable; they are noisy and crowded. You should prepare to bring items to help make your stay more comfortable.

When evacuating to a shelter, bring the following items:

1. All required medications and medical support equipment:

• Wheelchair/ walker, oxygen, dressings, feeding and suction equipment, diapers, etc.
• Any specific medication or care instructions (two-week supply)
• Name, phone number of physician/home health agency/hospital where you receive care.

2. Dietary needs: You need to bring nonperishable food to survive for 72 hours per person.
3. Food and water/liquids: Snacks, fruit juice, Gatorade, water, fruits, crackers (72-hour supply; water: 2 qts/per person/per day).
4. Sleeping gear: pillows, blankets, portable cot or air mattress, folding chairs, sleeping bags for each person. Evacuation shelters tend to be cold so bring a blanket or sweater to keep warm. No guarantee of cots at shelter.
5. Important papers: wills, deeds, licenses, insurance policies, home inventory, doctor’s orders, Do Not Resuscitate documentation, Living Will.
6. Identification: with photo and current address, medical identification card.
7. Cash: check cashing/ credit card services may not be available for several days after the storm. But, don’t bring too much! There will be no place to secure money or valuables at the evacuation shelter.
8. Comfort items: small games, cards, diapers, books, batteries, manual can opener, etc.
9. Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, towels, brush/comb, dentures, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, etc.
10. Extra clothing: a one-week supply of comfortable clothing and extra sets of underwear and socks. Pets are NOT allowed in Evacuation Centers (except service animals). You must make other arrangements for them.