Public Hurricane Shelters
Hurricane shelters are a last resort. If you have family, friends or a hotel to go to out of the area, it would be preferable to living in an emergency shelter. The decision to open shelters will depend on the severity of the event as well as local needs.
Shelter information will be available by calling 386-329-0379 as well as through the local radio stations (91.3FM & 1260AM) and the Putnam County Emergency Management website. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 for shelter or storm information. Call 9-1-1 only for a life threatening emergency.
Durring an Hurricane event info as to shelter openings and closing will be posted here:
http://www1.putnam-fl.com/live/EMShelters.asp
Special Needs
If someone has a special medical need, he or she should enroll in the Putnam County Special Needs Registry. The County maintains a resident registry and arranges for transportation and shelter. To down load an application http://www1.putnam-fl.com/upload/contents/467/Special%20Need%20Shelter%20Evacuation%20Registration%20Form%2002.19.07.pdf For questions about the Special Needs Program call Denise Townsend with the Putnam County Health Department at (386) 326-3238.
Take to the Shelter
Sufficient non-perishable food for 72 hours; medicine and baby needs; games for children; bedding and a change of clothes for the entire family; flashlight with extra batteries. Trained personnel will staff each shelter to maintain order and give assistance. Pets can ONLY be brought to Ochwilla shelter.
American Red Cross Hurricane Shelters
“American Red Cross shelter” is defined as a facility that complies with the American Red Cross Guidelines. This designation does not imply the facility is capable of affording complete protection or is free from hazards but only it meets established safety criteria.
Hurricane Shelters of Refuge
Places of refuge are structures or buildings intended to accommodate people stranded on regional evacuation routes and unable to reach shelter prior to the onset of hurricane winds. These structures are not guaranteed to be completely safe in strong hurricanes; however, they provide an option that may be better than having people in vehicles on the road during a hurricane or remaining in substandard housing.
Surrounding Counties Shelters
Alachua County: http://www.alachuacounty.us/assets/uploads/images/EM/Shelters_large.jpg
Clay County: http://www.claycountygov.com/Departments/EM/Emergency_Management.htm
St Johns County: http://www.sjcemergencymanagement.org/
Flagler County: http://www.flagleremergency.com/shelters.asp
Volusia County: http://www.volusia.org/storm/shelter.htm#list
