Hurricane Season Shelter Sites

Louisiana will be using congregate sheltering this hurricane season. That means mass shelter sites, with safe spacing, mandatory masking and other COVID safety precautions.

Get a Game Plan now!

• Vaccinate now in case you have to go to a shelter. Vaccinations are not required, but they are the best way to stay safe from COVID while in shelter. 
• If you can stay with friends or family outside your region, have conversations about the process and any COVID-related concerns ahead of time.
• If you go to a hotel, be prepared to pay your own way.
• If you go out of state, be prepared to pay for your own fuel and lodging.
• Listen to the guidance of your local officials for evacuation orders, including possible public shelter locations.
• We will be using 211 as our primary source of communication during a disaster.
  • When a disaster is declared, local and state officials will provide up-to-date shelter information.  
• Evacuate with the essential items you will need if you are away from your home for an extended time, including food, water, PPE and medicine.

What to Bring to a Shelter

Emergencies can happen suddenly and you may not have time to pack. Your safety is most important – grab your loved ones and get out of harm’s way!

Do Bring:

• Masks for every member of the family
• Bedding including pillows
• Clothing
• Prescription Medications
• Your child’s stuffed animal, blanket or other ‘creature comforts’
• Your emergency kit with any foods required to accommodate special dietary needs

Don't Bring:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Weapons

Family Preparedness

Advanced preparedness is key. Please review the following information and ensure your family and community are prepared:

• First, create an evacuation plan. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and if you have to evacuate.
  • As we will be utilizing group shelter facilities in most cases, you may choose to make other arrangements like staying with family members or friends.
    • Ensure all plans include what you will do to accommodate your pets as well. Redrover.org can provide guidance on how to support the accommodations of your furry family members.
  • For information on shelters in your area, dial 211 or download the free Red Cross Emergency App on the Google Play and Apple App store
    • When a disaster is declared, 211 as it pertains to disaster-information will be activated. Local and state officials will provide up-to-date shelter information through that mechanism.
• Build an emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Be informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Find more information on the CDC website about Going to a Public Disaster Shelter During the Covid-19 Pandemic: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/covid-19/public-disaster-shelter-during-covid.html