It's hurricane season: Where Volusia and Flagler evacuees can shelter in a storm

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·4 min read

One month in, the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is off to a slow start.

But forecasters and other officials who must be mindful of storm systems say there's no time like the present to prepare, especially for those who may need to go to a shelter.

"Shelters do not provide luxury accommodations and should be used only as a last resort," Jim Judge, interim director of Volusia County Emergency Management, said in a news release. "The best place to shelter is outside the evacuation area, in a hotel, or in a safe and secure structure with family and friends."

This September 2019 file photo shows evacuees heading into the shelter at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in advance of Hurricane Dorian's arrival. With a busy season expected in 2022, early preparation is encouraged.
This September 2019 file photo shows evacuees heading into the shelter at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in advance of Hurricane Dorian's arrival. With a busy season expected in 2022, early preparation is encouraged.

Hurricane season: How to prepare before a storm strikes

What will 2022 hurricane season bring? 'Anything can happen,' Volusia County's Jim Judge warns

'Warning' v. 'watch': Storm-related vocabulary explained

Currently, there are at least 15 potential shelters in Volusia County for this storm season. An estimated 5,000 people can be accommodated, and officials will open additional shelters if necessary.

General population (no pets):

  • Ormond Beach Middle School, 151 Domicilio Ave., Ormond Beach

  • Sweetwater Elementary School, 5800 Victoria Gardens, Port Orange

  • T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School, 100 E. Washington Ave., Pierson

  • Citrus Grove Elementary School, 729 Hazen Road, DeLand

While general population shelters provide a place to sleep as well as food, water and other basic necessities, there's little privacy and little to do, Pat Kuehn, a spokeswoman for Volusia County, said in the release.

These shelters also can be noisy and crowded.

People and pets:

  • Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. State Road 44, DeLand

  • Mainland High School, 1255 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

  • New Smyrna Beach High School, 1015 10th St., New Smyrna Beach

  • DeLand High School, 800 Hill Ave., DeLand

  • University High School, 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave., Orange City

Special needs (pet friendly):

  • Hinson Middle School, 1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach

  • Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange

  • Atlantic High School, 1250 Reed Canal Road, Port Orange

  • Freedom Elementary School, 1395 S. Blue Lake Ave., DeLand

  • Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona

  • Heritage Middle School, 1001 Parnell Court, Deltona

Jim Judge, Volusia County's interim director of emergency management, discusses the upcoming hurricane season from the Emergency Operations Center in Daytona Beach.
Jim Judge, Volusia County's interim director of emergency management, discusses the upcoming hurricane season from the Emergency Operations Center in Daytona Beach.

Special needs evacuees should register with a shelter as soon as possible, Judge said.

"Don’t wait until a storm is approaching, because our phones will be ringing off the hook," Judge said

Health care professionals will be on hand, but these shelters aren't for people who need around-the-clock or complex care, a hospital bed or a ventilator, Kuehn said. Evacuees should be accompanied by only one caregiver.

Elderly people, people with impairments (physical, mental, sensory, visual or hearing) and people who need supplemental oxygen should register with Emergency Management by calling 386-258-4088 or downloading the form from Volusia.org.

Special needs evacuees with pets should call 386-248-1790 for additional assistance.

What you need to know: 2022 Hurricane Guide

Shelter do's and don'ts

Here's what evacuees should bring for their shelter stay:

  • Folding lounge chair, air mattress or cot along with bedding, pillow and blanket

  • Special dietary food, snacks and comfort food

  • Extra clothing

  • Medications and medical supplies

  • Oxygen supplies

  • Toiletry items

  • Earbuds to listen to music

  • A charger for your phone and laptop

  • Flashlight and batteries

  • Diapers, infant and elderly/disabled necessities

  • Time-occupiers such as books, magazines, games or cards

  • Important papers, credit cards, cash and identification

Don't bring:

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Smoking or vaping materials or devices

  • Valuables

  • Weapons

  • Heavy or multiple pieces of luggage

Flagler County

Schools typically function as storm shelters in Flagler County, but officials determine which ones to open on a storm-by-storm basis, Jonathan Lord, emergency management director, said.

In the event of a storm-related evacuation, residents should monitor Flagler County Emergency Management's social media channels and register with ALERTFlagler.

'Tis the season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast predicts an active season with 14 to 21 named storms developing. Three to six of those could be Category 3 and up hurricanes with wind speeds starting at 111 mph.

Hurricane categories and the associated wind scales.
Hurricane categories and the associated wind scales.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but storms don't use calendars.

For the past seven years, a storm with a rotating circulation pattern and wind speeds reaching at least 39 mph has appeared in May, prior to the official start, earning itself a name from the World Meteorological Organization.

Hurricane season: Volusia's tourism industry focuses on preparation

A system is labeled a tropical storm if wind speeds reach 39 mph; it becomes a hurricane if winds reach 74 mph.

As a result, weather experts have discussed moving the start date to May 15.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hurricane shelters in Volusia and Flagler counties: Where to go