2023 Hurricane Shelters
Hurricane Idalia: Volusia County Shelters
Evacuations
Volusia County has issued a voluntary evacuation order. People who live in RVs, mobile homes, or low-lying areas may wish to find accommodations with friends or family members. People in these risk areas may use public shelters as a site of last resort.
Shelters
Volusia County Schools and Volusia County Government will open shelters at 10 am Tuesday, August 29.
Shelters:
- Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand (general population and pets)
- Hester Building, Volusia County Fairgrounds (individuals who lack permanent housing)
- Florida Department of Health, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach (special needs shelter)
Additionally, the Bridge at the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand, will open to the community at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30. Clients may remain inside throughout the day and may stay at the shelter overnight into Thursday morning.
All shelters will accept pets. Those staying with their pets must bring necessary pet items and supplies, including a leash, cage or crate, dog bowl, water, and food.
Shelters should be used only as a last resort because the shelters do not provide luxury accommodations.
Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, only take essential items. Avoid bringing valuables; shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Necessary items include:
- Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food, water or other non-alcoholic beverages
- Bedding: pillow, blanket, etc. - general population shelters do not provide cots, so a comfortable beach chair and sleeping pad are recommended
- Earplugs
- Extra clothing
- Medications and medical supplies
- Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs oxygen shelter
- Toiletry items
- Flashlight and batteries
- Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
- Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games, or cards
Volusia County Hurricane Shelters: What You Need to Know
- Shelters should be used only as a last resort.
- They do not provide luxury accommodations.
- If you plan to stay in a special needs shelter, register now.
When disasters occur, Volusia County Government and Volusia County Schools join forces to provide emergency shelters for people who are unable to evacuate or ride out the storm in their homes.
“Shelters do not provide luxury accommodations and should be used only as a last resort,” Jim Judge, interim director of emergency management, stressed. “The best place to shelter is outside the evacuation area, in a hotel, or in a safe and secure structure with family and friends.”
For those who have no alternatives, general, special needs and pet-friendly shelters will be available at key locations across the county during an emergency. Fourteen local schools and the Volusia County Fairgrounds have been identified as potential shelters for 2022. Together, they can provide refuge for up to 5,000 people. If needed, additional shelters will be opened at 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. Shelters offer little privacy. Oftentimes, they can be crowded, noisy and boring.
Special needs shelters, which will be staffed by health care professionals, will be available to provide assistance during evacuations. Evacuees should be accompanied by one, and only one, caregiver.
These shelters are not for isolated patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, a ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver. Elderly, physically, mentally and sensory disabled, visually or hearing impaired residents, and those who need supplemental oxygen should register for the special needs shelters program with Volusia County Emergency Management. Residents can obtain a special needs shelter registration form by calling 386-258-4088 or downloading it at http://www.volusia.org/core/fileparse.php/4360/urlt/PSNreg.pdf.
Special needs evacuees with pets should contact Volusia County Animal Services at 386-248-1790 to discuss assistance for sheltering pets.
What should you bring when evacuating to a shelter?
Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for several days. Since space is limited, bring only:
- 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
- Earbuds to listen to music
- A charger for your phone and laptop
- Flashlight and batteries
- Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities
- Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games, or cards
- Important papers, credit cards, cash, and identification
Although food will be provided at shelters, it is recommended that evacuees eat a meal before arriving. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, smoking materials, vaping devices, valuables, weapons, heavy luggage, or several pieces of luggage. Those with pets and service animals are encouraged to use a pet-friendly shelter.
Transportation to Shelters
Votran and Volusia County Schools provide free transportation to public shelters. All Votran bus stops are evacuation assembly points during a declared emergency evacuation order. If special needs evacuees cannot reach a bus stop, they must call Votran at 386-322-5100 to arrange transportation.
Bus space is limited. Carry-on items are limited to a pillow, blanket, and one carry-on bag that is no larger than 22”x16”x8”.
Returning Home
Every effort will be made to allow evacuees to return to their homes and businesses as quickly as possible. Re-entry to evacuated areas will be authorized based on public safety, security and operational needs of search and rescue teams. The re-entry policy will be established as soon as possible and with as few restrictions as possible. The decision to establish general re-entry will be evaluated through continuous coordination among county and state agencies, municipal law enforcement agencies, and adjacent counties and will be announced through the news media.
