Hurricane Evacuation Risk Shelters​

Palm Beach County currently operates  hurricane evacuation shelters across the County. All hurricane evacuation shelters meet current ARC 4496 design standards to withstand hurricane force winds, including window strength and protection, wind and debris exposure, and storm surge inundation. Click Shelters for a list of those shelters.

A hurricane evacuation shelter is a refuge of last resort; a place to go if you can't stay at home or with a relative, friend, or co-worker or nearby hotel.  While shelters are set up in schools, the timing of their opening and locations can change due to the circumstances of the storm.  Not all shelters are opened for every storm.  Monitor local media for current shelter openings and locations.

Palm Beach County and Palm Beach County Schools manage public shelters.  Shelters provide simple meals and beverages; if you have special dietary needs or want snacks, you must bring your own. Shelters provide basic first aid only; cots and medical care are not provided.

Host Shelters (All-Hazards)​

The ARC will also shelter disaster victims who are left homeless due to non-tropical weather related disaster events threatening their neighborhood.  Under these circumstances, a designated shelter (i.e., community center, church, or other public facility) will be selected and opened by the ARC, in cooperation with DEM.  The selected shelter will be located in close proximity to the affected area. 

Cold Weather Shelter Program​

When the temperature in Palm Beach County is forecasted to be 40 degrees or less, or with a wind-chill factor of 35 degrees or less, for at least 4 hours, Palm Beach County's Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with other governmental and non-governmental organizations, may open a cold weather shelter for persons needing a place to keep warm.

  • There is no charge for staying at a cold weather shelter.
  • You may not bring pets to a cold weather shelter.
  • You may not bring or consume alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or any weapons to a cold weather shelter.
  • Guests must follow the rules of a cold weather shelter and depart promptly upon the shelter's closure.​

 Eastern Pick Up Locations.pdf

 Cold Weather Shelter and Pick Up Locations (Western).pdf

Pet Friendly Hurricane Shelter

The Pet Friendly Shelter is located inside the West Boynton Recreational Center at 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, FL 33463 and is only available to Palm Beach County residents who reside in a mandatory evacuation zone, in a mobile home, or in sub-standard housing. Proof of residency will be required.

All pets must be accompanied by only one owner who will stay inside the Pet Friendly Shelter. All other family members will need to stay at the adjacent human shelter, Park Vista High School. Pets will be housed in a separate area away from where people are sheltered; livestock and reptiles will not be accepted.

Space is limited and all food will be provided, so please limit personal belongings to only those essential items that you will need during your stay.

For more information, visit: PBC Animal Care and Control


Video Link

 

What to bring to the Shelter

  • Three-day supply of water per person (i.e., three-gallons per person)
  • Prescription medicines and emergency medications; you must be able to take all medications by yourself

  • Special-diet foods (e.g., snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions or allergies)

  • Basic snacks
  • Bedding materials (e.g., pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, etc.) – cots will not be provided
  • Comfortable clothing (at least two changes)
  • Collapsible/folding beach chair or camp chair
  • Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, & clothes
  • Flashlight, extra batteries
  • Cellphone, with a battery-operated charger
  • Radio with extra batteries and headphones
  • Important documents (e.g., identification, medical records, insurance information, deeds or leases, birth certificates and utility bills showing your home address) – these documents are not required but will be helpful after an emergency
  • Photocopies of valuable documents
  • Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items (e.g., washcloth and/or towelettes, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Quiet games, books, playing cards, favorite toys, or other items for entertainment
  • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
  • Chargers/cables for any electronic devices you bring with you – functional electric outlets are limited in shelters