Faqs
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No. All Broward County shelters are ADA-accessible, and in accordance with ADA, all shelters, including the General Population shelters, make reasonable modifications to accommodate persons with disabilities. List of shelters​​ and shelter a​​lternatives​​
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Last modified: 6/24/2021

Shelters are open to all residents and visitors. There are several sheltering options.​

Last modified: 3/5/2018

If you must evacuate your home, your first, best choice is to stay with family or friends in a location outside the evacuation zone. This is where you will be most comfortable. If you have a disability or are in a wheelchair but without a severe medical condition, you will likely be able to shelter comfortably in one of the General Population shelters, which provide a basic level of care, but are not staffed by medical personnel.

Emergency shelters are a service of the Broward County Commission, American Red Cross, Broward County School Board, and Florida Department of Health in Broward.

If your medical condition is such that you require a greater level of care than that provided at the General Population shelters, but you do not require hospitalization, a Special Needs Shelter may be appropriate for you. Special Needs shelters offer basic medical assistance and monitoring. These shelters are staffed by qualified medical personnel and have back-up electricity for limited lighting and essential medical equipment. Family members and caregivers are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Finally, if your medical condition exceeds the level of care provided at a Special Needs shelter and/or you require hospitalization or one-on-one care, we recommend you work with your physician or medical provider to arrange the safest shelter option for you, which may include a hospital or other medical facility. List of shelters​​ and Shelter Alternatives​​​

Last modified: 6/24/2021

There is no charge to stay in a shelter.​

Last modified: 3/5/2018

Elderly residents should take extra steps to ensure their safety and well-being during and after a storm or other emergency. This may require the assistance of a family member or caregiver. Visit broward.org/Hurricane​ for general tips, and broward.org/AtRisk for specific tips on helping prepare the elderly. Be sure to register the individual with Broward County's Vulnerable Population Registry. This registry allows people who are disabled, frail or have health issues to register in advance with their city so that emergency workers may plan a better response to vulnerable residents in a recovery effort. Each city may use the Vulnerable Population Registry list in a different way, based on their city's recovery effort. Registering into the database should not be considered as a guarantee that you will be provided services or be placed on a priority list for emergency responders. For more information or to register, call 311 or 954-831-4000.

Last modified: 3/5/2018

Pet-friendly shelter(s) is available on a first-come basis.  Pets accepted include: dogs, cats, domestic birds, rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice and hamsters.  All pets must be in a carrier/crate and all dogs must have a collar with leash.  Evacuees must show proof of rabies certificate for dogs and cats. Residents should also be prepared to show their pet’s Broward County Registration Tag.  Evacuees should bring necessary care supplies for a week such as, supply of food and water, food/water bowls, cat litter and litter box, medicine, cleaning supplies, etc.  Up to three pet-friendly shelters may be opened in Broward:

  • Everglades High School 17100 SW 48 Court,  Miramar, FL 33027 - View Map
  • Lyons Creek Middle School 4333 Sol Press Blvd.,  Coconut Creek 33073 - View Map
  • Falcon Cove Middle School 4251 Bonaventure Blvd.,  Weston 33332 - View Map

Last modified: 7/9/2019

No. Pre-registration is not required for a General Population shelter. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required for Special Needs shelters and shelter transportation. You are not obligated to take advantage of either service if your plans change.​

Last modified: 3/5/2018

Once an evacuation is ordered and General Population shelters are opened, Broward County Transit (BCT) provides evacuation service from the evacuation zones. In the case of a Category 1 or 2 hurricane (Evacuation Plan A), buses will pick up along A1A. In a Category 3 or higher (Evacuation Plan B), buses will pick up along A1A and Federal Highway. View the Emergency Evacuation Map​ for more details. Pick up points include any regular bus stop, or you can flag down a bus anywhere along these routes. All evacuation buses will be marked "Emergency Evacuation" on the head sign. Evacuation service will continue as long as weather permits.

Broward County Transit Paratransit Services section coordinates transportation of persons with disabilities and special needs to and from the shelters. To pre-register, call Broward County Emergency Management at 954-831-3902 (TTY 954-831-3940).

Last modified: 3/5/2018