It’s not a matter of if, but when disaster strikes! are you ready?

Emergency Operations Center

Emergency Operations Center

It’s not a matter of if, but when disaster strikes! are you ready?

Emergency Public Shelters

Table of Contents

Emergency Shelters

  • Open to anyone who needs a safe place to stay during a disaster
  • Should be your last choice of refuge – they are often crowded, noisy, and uncomfortable, with no privacy and scarce resources. If you are able to go to a friend or relative’s sturdy home in a safe area, that is probably your best choice.
  • Sign up for Citizen Alerts to ensure you receive timely notices for evacuations and shelter openings. Residents can verify local shelter openings with Emergency Management by calling the EOC at 904-548-0900 or monitoring our Facebook page, Twitter, and Nextdoor postings.
  • May be crowded and uncomfortable with no privacy, and there is no guarantee of electricity or cots.
  •  Some food and water will be available in the shelter but anyone evacuating to a public shelter should take their personal ‘go kits’ with sufficient supplies to last 4 or 5 days. 
  • All emergency public shelters in Nassau County are now pet friendly. You will need to provide secure crate/cage, bowls, food, leash, hygiene supplies, & proof of current vaccinations.

Special Needs Sheltering

  •  If you do not have transportation out of the evacuation zone you must register in advance for transportation to a public shelter. Emergency bus routes will be scheduled based on the needs of our residents.
  • If you plan to go to a public shelter and have special medical needs that include equipment that requires electricity (e.g., an oxygen concentrator) or require daily home health care, you must register in advance to ensure staff will be able to assist with your needs in a Special Medical Needs Shelter.