Shelter information
Volusia County has many public shelter locations which can be opened according to each particular disaster or emergency. During an emergency, not all shelters will open at once. Shelters will be opened based on demand.
The best way residents can stay informed about public shelter openings is to download the Volusia County emergency preparedness app, visit www.volusia.org/PIN - where emergency information is posted, and follow Emergency Management on social media (Facebook and Twitter). Resident can also call the toll-free Citizens Information Hotline, which is ONLY activated during an emergency, at 866-345-0345.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 386-248-1792
Definitions
- SIP: Shelter Information Point (central location to direct evacuees to shelters in Deltona)
- SpNS: Special Needs Shelter – Assists evacuees who are elderly, physically, mentally or sensory disabled, visually or hearing impaired, or require oxygen. It is also a Pet Friendly shelter for PSNs (People with Special Needs).
- PF: Pet Friendly – people and pets are housed in separate locations at the shelter
- PPS: People & Pet Shelter (people and pets are housed in the same location – Fairgrounds only)
Important SpNS shelter information:
- People with special needs should be accompanied by a caregiver if this type of assistance is normally needed.
- People with special needs must bring all needed supplies.
- Hospitals are not shelters.
- SpNS are not for people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, other complex care, or isolation patients.
- SpNS are pet friendly. Must bring necessary items/supplies for their pets. Contact Volusia County Animal Services for additional information and questions.
Items to take to a shelter
Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for 24 to 72 hours during an emergency. Since space is limited, only take essential items. Avoid bringing valuables; shelters are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Items include:
- Special dietary food, snacks or comfort food, water or other non-alcoholic beverages
- Bedding: pillow, blanket, etc. - general population shelters do not provide cots, so a comfortable beach chair and sleeping pad are recommended
- Ear plugs
- Extra clothing.
- Medications and medical supplies.
- Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated SpNS oxygen shelter.
- Toiletry items.
- Flashlight and batteries.
- Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities.
- Time occupier such as books, magazines, games or cards.
If you only have minutes to pack, grab these items:
- Medical supplies: prescription medications, eyeglasses and dentures.
- Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
- Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
- Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend's or relative's home)
Special needs sheltering
Physically, mentally and sensory disabled residents and those who need supplemental oxygen should register for the Special Needs Shelters program with Volusia County Emergency Management. The program provides assistance during evacuations. Evacuees should be accompanied by a caregiver if this type of assistance normally is needed.
Special needs shelters are not for isolation patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their physician or home health service provider or caregiver.
Register for Special Needs
If you prefer to have the form mailed, you may request one by contacting:
Volusia County Emergency Management
Attn: Special Needs Sheltering
3825 Tiger Bay Road, Suite 102
Daytona Beach FL 32124-1063
Evacuees may need to stay at a shelter for several days during an emergency. Since space is limited, only bring:
- Special dietary food, snacks and comfort food
- Bedding, pillow, blanket, folding chair
- Extra clothing
- Medications and medical supplies
- Oxygen supplies or arrange with your oxygen company to deliver to the designated special needs shelter
- Toiletry items
- Flashlight and batteries
- Diapers and other necessities for infants and elderly and disabled persons
- Time occupiers such as books, magazines, games and cards
- Important papers, credit cards, cash and identification
- Ear plugs
Transportation
The Volusia County School Board and Votran will provide free rides to general public shelters. Pick up will be made at all regular Votran bus stops.
Directions to shelters in Volusia County
Directions to shelters that are opened can be found in the Volusia County Emergency Management app.
Directions to shelters in adjacent counties
- Brevard County 321-637-6670
- Marion County 352-369-8100
- Flagler County 386-586-5111
- Putnam County 386-329-0379
- Lake County 352-343-9732
- Seminole County 407-665-0311
Special Needs Transportation
Votran, Volusia County’s public transportation service will provide free transportation to public shelters. All Votran bus stops are evacuation assembly points during a declared emergency evacuation order. If special needs evacuees cannot reach a regular bus stop, they must call Votran to arrange transportation.
Bus space is limited. Carry-on items are limited to a pillow, blanket and one carry-on bag (not larger than 22” x 16” x 8”).
Telephone numbers for Votran are:
- Daytona Beach 386-322-5100
- West Volusia 386-943-7050
- New Smyrna Beach 386-424-6810
Returning home
Every effort will be made to allow evacuees to return to their home and businesses as quickly as possible. Re-entry to evacuated areas will be authorized based on public safety, security and operational needs of search and rescue teams. The re-entry policy will be established as soon as possible and with as few restrictions as possible. The decision to establish general re-entry will be evaluated through continuous coordination among county and state agencies, municipal law enforcement agencies and adjacent counties and will be announced through the news media.
