Shelters

Evacuation centers are a last resort. If you must leave, stay with family or friends outside the evacuation area if you can. Miami-Dade County opens evacuation centers when it issues an evacuation order; not every center opens for every storm. Pinecrest does not operate a public shelter.

 

Open evacuation centers

If an active storm or evacuation hits, call 311 or check the MDC Ready (iPhone, Android), the comprehensive smartphone app used year-round to track active storms. On this application, you will find real-time open facilities near you.

Types of centers

  • General evacuation centers for anyone without a safer place to go.

  • Pet-friendly centers for residents of evacuation zones and mobile homes who bring pets.

  • Special needs shelters for people who need medical care beyond basic first aid. See Disability and special needs (/hurricane/access).

What to bring

Each person has about 20 square feet of space, so bring only essentials:

  • Your supply kit, medicines and medical supplies

  • Bedding, a change of clothes and toiletries

  • IDs, insurance papers and phone chargers

  • Snacks and water, and special diet foods if needed

  • Quiet games or books for children

Bringing a pet

  • Pets are allowed only at pet-friendly centers; service animals are allowed everywhere.

  • A family member must stay with the pet, which must be in a crate or carrier.

  • Bring proof that you live in an evacuation zone, ID tags or microchip information, and current vaccination records.

  • Cats and dogs need proof of rabies vaccination and a current Miami-Dade dog license.

  • Bring 3 days of food, medicine and supplies, and half a gallon of water per pet per day.

Getting there

Emergency bus pickup sites are announced with each order. If no pickup site is near you, ride Miami-Dade Transit and tell the operator you are going to an evacuation center. Residents registered with EEAP will be contacted to arrange transportation.

 

 

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