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What to Expect in a Shelter

When disasters occur, the state provides safe refuge in temporary emergency shelters often located in schools, office buildings, tents or other facilities. General population shelters are well stocked with basic necessities for survival including food, water and a warm place to sleep. However, shelters will not be able to provide the same level of convenience as a family member's home or a hotel. Oftentimes, shelters can be crowded, noisy, boring, short-staffed and have very little privacy.

It should also be expected that although a general population shelter is able to provide basic first aid, a person with disabilities/special needs should consider looking into eligibility requirements for a special needs shelter if their particular medical condition requires daily assistance.

Visit the What to Take to a Shelter and Emergency Kit sections of this site for detailed listings of items and supplies you should bring with you to a shelter.

• What to Take to a Shelter
• What to Expect in a Shelter
• Eligibility Requirements for Special Needs Shelters
• Sheltering With Your Pet or Service Animal

Go Back to "If You Go: Important Shelter Information."

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