What is a shelter?

ASHELTER is a facility set up to provide temporary housing for persons who are displaced during or after emergency events such as floods, hurricanes or earthquakes. An emergency shelter may be functional over a long term or a short period of time. A shelter used for a long period of time is referred to as temporary housing.

If being utilised for short-term purposes, shelters would not be occupied for more than 72 hours.

HOW TO FIND YOUR NEAREST SHELTER

Under the National Shelter Programme, approved government-owned schools are designated as emergency shelters. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and/or your parish disaster coordinator can provide you with the location of the shelter nearest to where you live/work. Here is additional information to help you find the shelter nearest to you:

Shelters are usually the closest school or church to you.

I Shelters are usually labeled (with white writing on a bright red metal plate). Ask your parish disaster coordinator

I Visit the ODPEM’s website

WHAT TO TAKE TO A SHELTER

Blankets

Flashlights

Extra clothing

Medication

24 hour supply of nonperishable food and water Toiletries such as toilet tissue, soap, sanitary napkins, etc Infant’s/children’s necessities like milk/supplement, diapers, wipes etc

Utensils – cups, plates, forks, spoons Portable-radio and batteries First-aid kit Prescription medications and health supplies