Orange County has released a list of shelters that will provide refuge for Central Florida residents as Hurricane Ian approaches the area.
GENERAL SHELTERS
- Apopka High School: Located at 555 Martin St., Apopka, this shelter will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Pet friendly.
- Ocoee High School: Located at 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway., Ocoee, this shelter will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Not pet friendly.
- Dr. Phillips High School: Located at 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, this shelter will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Not pet friendly.
- Oak Ridge High School: Located at 6000 Winegard Road, Orlando, this shelter will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Pet friendly.
- Timber Creek High School: Located at 1001 Avalon Park Blvd., Orlando, this shelter will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. Pet friendly.
SPECIAL-NEEDS SHELTERS
For Orange County residents who require special needs or medical shelter during an emergency, Orange County encourages them to call 311.
According to the Orange County, Florida, website, residents who are deaf or hard of hearing can chat online by downloading the OCFL 311 app or by registering at ocfl.net/psn. This will provide them with help in regard to access to resources as well as transportation.
ITEMS TO BRING TO A SHELTER
If you are unsure of what to bring to a shelter, here's a list of the essentials you should pack before leaving your house.
- Water and food — make sure you pack supplies for at least three days
- Clothing and bedding
- Personal items — toiletries and medications
- First-aid supplies
- Important papers — passport, ID, driver's license, insurance cards
- Games, toys, battery-powered radios and flashlights
- Daily prescriptions — at least two weeks' worth of supplies
- Non-prescription medicines — at least two weeks' worth of supplies
- Mobile phone charger, if needed
- Other special items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, walkers, special dietary foods, etc.
- Medical supplies you utilize on a daily basis, this includes any portable oxygen, cannula, diabetes testing kit, nebulizer, etc.
- A book, magazine or something to help you occupy pass time while waiting for the storm to pass
PET-FRIENDLY SHELTERS
For families who have pets with them when evacuating, this is what they need to bring with them prior to entering a shelter.
- Make sure pet vaccinations are current.
- Take into consideration microchipping your pets to ensure you can find pets in the event you are separated.
- A copy of your pet’s medical records.
- Make sure the safe place you will be staying allows pets.
- Research places that are pet friendly as animals are not allowed in Red Cross Shelters unless they are shelter animals.
- Food and water for your pet.
- Any medications that your pet may be taking.
- Identification for your pet.
There are no emergency shelters open at this time.
