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What to Take to a Shelter

Recommendations for Preparing for Evacuation to an Emergency Shelter

Immediate Evacuation:

If you have to evacuate immediately, for the example in the case of a tornado, fire or hazardous materials incident, it is recommended that individuals and families bring the following:

  • Personal identification (valid photo ID)
  • Medical supplies: prescription medications (bring original containers w/ labels), eyeglasses, and dentures.
  • Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, cell phone charger
  • Clothing: a seasonally appropriate change of clothes
  • Pet identification with a current picture of the owner with the pet
  • Avoid bringing valuables into the shelter, leave them locked in the trunk of your car

Evacuation for Predicted Event:

If you have to evacuate for a predicted event like a major power outage or major storm where your home, possessions and personal transportation are not structurally impacted and you have a little more time, it is recommended that individuals and families bring the following:

  • Personal identification (valid photo ID)
  • Medical supplies: prescription medications (bring original containers w/ labels), eyeglasses, and dentures. Other medical supplies for individuals requiring additional assistance
  • Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated SNS oxygen shelter.
  • Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food
  • Bedding, pillow, blanket, etc. (Some shelters will not allow this, due to bed bugs being introduced into the shelter environment.)
  • Extra, seasonally appropriate clothing. School clothes for children for an extended shelter stay
  • Toiletry items
  • Flashlight and batteries & cell phone charger
  • Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
  • Time occupier such as books, magazines, games or cards
  • Pet identification with a current picture of the owner with the pet
  • Avoid bringing valuables into the shelter, leave them locked in the trunk of your car