Emergency shelters should be considered a last option; a place to go if it is unsafe to stay at home and you are unable to ride out the storm with a friend or relative.
If you do go to a shelter, know that they are often crowded. Be prepared to live in close quarters with strangers for several days. Secure your home and shut off utilities (water, gas, electricity) before leaving. Because each situation is unique, only certain shelters may be opened during an emergency. Local TV news programs and radio stations should have up-to-date information on shelter locations and opening times.
Shelters operate according to rules established by the locality and shelter organizations. Please familiarize yourself with these rules (see below) before going to a shelter.
Visit the Emergency Management page for a list of shelter locations in King and Queen County.
Medical Shelter
King and Queen participates in a regional agreement for Medical Needs Sheltering. Medical needs sheltering is only activated for a Category 2 or greater hurricane or as directed by the Emergency Services Coordinator. The medical needs shelter is for people who, during periods of evacuation or emergency, requires sheltering assistance due to physical, mental or cognitive impairment, or a sensory disability that exceeds the basic level of care provided at a general population shelter, but does not require the level of care provided at a skilled medical facility. Includes help with administering medication, personal hygiene assistance with activities of daily living (washing, dressing and eating. The MFS is not for people who have significant medical problems, injuries or illnesses and/or that require total dependence on others for care. Examples: Bedridden, have NG tubes for feeding, require monitoring and pain management after recent injury, surgery or who are contagious.
Shelter Rules
- You must sign in before being officially admitted into any shelter
- “Shelter hopping” is not permitted
- You are responsible for your belongings. Valuables should always be locked in your car or kept with you. The shelter is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.
- Parents are responsible for controlling the actions of and knowing the whereabouts of their children. Children should not be left unattended.
- If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, please notify the shelter registrar for referral to the nurse.
- Noise levels should be kept at a minimum during all hours of the day. Quiet hours are observed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Please do your best to keep the shelter as neat and orderly as possible.
What to Bring to a Shelter
Be sure to bring enough supplies to last at least three days for each family member.
- Bottled water Canned/packaged food
- Manual can opener & cooler Disposable plates, cups, utensils etc.
- Portable flashlight & batteries Battery powered radio, TV
- Folding chairs Change of comfortable clothing and shoes
- Blanket/sleeping bag/cot & pillow Quiet games, toys, books, cards
- First aid kit and any medications Toiletries, glasses/contacts, hearing aids & dentures
- ID, car keys, credit cards & cash Special-diet foods
- Photocopies of important papers (i.e. insurance policies) Baby supplies (i.e. food/formula, diapers, etc.)
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol, drugs, other illegal substances
- Pets (except assistance dogs)
- Loud radios or televisions
- Smoking, matches, lighters
- Weapons of any kind (guns, knives, chains, etc.)
It Is a Good Idea to Consider Going to a Shelter If:
- You live in an evacuation zone where there likely will be flooding.
- You live in a mobile home or trailer.
- You know your building is unsafe and you can’t repair it before the storm.
- You use life-support equipment that requires electricity.
If none of these conditions apply to you, you should think about staying put and fortifying your home, something experts call “sheltering in place.” However, if your house is not prepared and fortified or windows and doors are not properly covered, even the weaker winds at the perimeter of a hurricane can cause serious damage.