Sheltering Information for Hurricanes,
Floods, Ice Storms and other Catastrophic Events

Shelters are generally the place of last resort.  Individuals and families are encouraged to have emergency plans in place.  These plans should include relatives or friends with whom you can stay or locations to which you will travel.  In the event that you must use a shelter, there are two types:  American Red Cross (ARC) and Special Medical Needs Shelters (SMNS).  Only individuals with special medical needs will be admited to SMNS.  The shelters are described as follows:

image of American Red Cross and SCDHEC logosAmerican Red Cross Shelters

When making your plans for a disaster, going to a shelter should be considered only if you cannot leave town. Remember, these shelters are in schools, churches, public facilities, etc. There are no beds or cots. There are no showers. There is no privacy. If power goes out, there will be no electricity. A shelter is just that, a temporary place.

If you do go to a Red Cross approved shelter, you will need to be considerate of the other people there. The Red Cross has issued guidelines that will help you get through this stressful time. Rules to be followed:

image of mother and child at a hurricane shelter reading a bookThere are other things that the Red Cross will ask of you:

image of people at a hurricane shelterRemember that these shelters are provided as a free community service by the Red Cross in conjunction with their partners. Your assistance in keeping the shelters clean and orderly will help to make sure that the service continues in the future.

Special Medical Needs Shelters

In making your hurricane evacuation and other disaster plans, discuss with your physician what is best for your health. Shelter should only be considered as a last resort. Keep in mind that in the case of a mandatory evacuation, your physician and other heatlh care providers will also have to evacuate.

image of person in a wheelchair at a hurricane shelterSpecial Medical Needs Shelters provide supervised shelter to a limited number of people whose medical needs exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross shelters, but are not severe enough to require hospitalization. It is intended only to provide a safe environment for those requiring limited special assistance due to pre-existing health problems.  A Caregiver must stay with individuals in the shelter.

Special Medical Needs Shelters, should be considered as a last resort.  Plan ahead and explore all other alternatives such as staying with relatives or friends outside the evacuation area, staying in a motel or working with your physician to be admitted to a hospital.  Please note that the person who assists in meeting your needs at home, should be prepared to meet your same needs in the shelter.  A limited number of nurses will be available in the shelter.

image of person having their blood pressure takenIf your emergency plans include seeking refuge at a Special Medical Needs Shelter, you will need to keep the following in mind:

  1. Bring your medications and medical supplies, enough for seven (7) days. Bring medical equipment suc as wheelchairs, canes, walkers.  Remember:  One person (a caregiver) must accompany any individual who plans to use a Special Medical Needs Shelter.  Your caregiver is the only person who will be permitted to stay at the shelter with you.
  2. Keep a list of items that you need on a daily basis Bring with you an adequate supply of these items.  If you are oxygen dependent, make arrangements with your durable  medical equipment company to assure extra cannisters or refills as needed.  Make arrangements with your home health agency to continue your services while you are in the shelter.

Finding an Emergency Shelter in South Carolina