SAFE SHELTER: THESE LOCATIONS WILL OPEN FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO FLEE THEIR HOMES

a satellite view of the earth from space
NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured Hurricane Idalia approaching the western coast of Florida while Hurricane Franklin churned in the Atlantic Ocean at 5:01 p.m. EDT on Aug. 29, 2023. NOAA/Contributed

CATEGORY 1-2
HURRICANES

  • Key West High School
    2100 Flagler Avenue, Key West
  • Sugarloaf School
    255 Crane Blvd., Sugarloaf Key
  • Marathon High School
    350 Sombrero Beach Rd., Marathon
  • Coral Shores High School
    89901 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier

CATEGORY 3-5
HURRICANES

  • There are no shelters in Monroe County for a hurricane rated at or above a Category 3. Evacuation becomes mandatory for everyone.
  • Once an evacuation is ordered, Monroe County residents seeking shelter on the mainland will be informed of shelter locations. Please note that sheltering options may include Florida International University (FIU), the E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition (which allows pets), and other facilities within Miami-Dade County, based on their availability on a per-storm basis. Special-needs individuals will be transported to the Special Needs Shelter at FIU. Information will be made available via Monroe County official alerts, Monroe County Website Press Releases, social media sites, MCTV Channel 76 & 99, and by local media and other local official government agencies.

SHELTER RULES
› Residents are required to complete registration before entering the shelter.
› Residents will be assigned to a space.
› No weapons, alcohol or illegal drugs.
› No smoking allowed in shelters.
› “Lights out” quiet time will be enforced.
› Children must be attended to at all times. Parents are not allowed to leave the premises without them.

PETS AT SHELTERS

All Monroe County general population shelters are pet-friendly. Pets accepted include dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, reptiles and pocket pets such as hamsters, gerbils and rabbits under 10 pounds. It is highly recommended that pets be pre-registered prior to a sheltering event. In order to pre-register your pet you must complete an online registration. You will be required to attest to the fact that you have read and will comply with the Pet-Friendly Shelter Agreement and the Pet-Friendly Shelter Checklist. Pre-registrations are only valid for the calendar year in which they were submitted.

While at the shelter, all pets must be properly caged. Owners must present the medical history and current vaccination records for each pet upon checking into a pet-friendly shelter.

For more information on pets at shelters, including a shelter agreement, supply checklist and registration.

WHAT TO BRING

Water and Food
› Drinking water in plastic containers.
› Non-perishable food in cans or sealed containers.
› Special dietary foods, baby food, formula, manual can opener, paper products, utensils.
› Portable ice chest with ice.

Clothing and Bedding
› Clothes and shoes.
› Sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, lightweight portable lounge chairs.
› Rain gear.
› Wash cloths, towels, soap, toothbrush, feminine products, paper towels, toilet paper.

Baby Supplies
› Clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, food and blankets.

Medications and First Aid Supplies
› Medication clearly marked with your name, dosage, type of
medication and doctor’s name. Persons must be able to
self-administer all medications.
› First aid supplies in a waterproof box.

Important Papers
› Name and address of doctors.
› Name and address of nearest relative.
› Identification and valuable papers.

Miscellaneous
› Games, cards, toys, battery-powered radios, flashlights.
› Shower and eat before leaving home.