Tropical Storm Nicole: Shelters opening in Northeast Florida
As Nicole takes aim at Florida, the time to seek shelter is now.
Where to find shelter:
In Duval County, here are the shelters that are opening Thursday at 8 a.m.:
The Legends Center - (5130 Soutel Dr.), open for general population, special needs, and pet-friendly.
Landmark Middle - (101 Kernan Blvd), open for general population and pet-friendly.
In Nassau County, here is information on the shelter that is opening for Nicole:
A shelter has been opened at the Callahan Multi-Purpose Facility located at 543350 US Highway 1, Callahan, FL 32011. This shelter is available for general population, individuals with special needs, and for pets.
In Clay County, here are the local shelters that are opening for Nicole:
Lake Asbury Jr. High (for our special needs population) opens at 2:00 PM Wednesday.
Orange Park High School and Keystone Heights Jr./ Sr. High will open at 6:00 PM Wednesday. These two shelters are pet friendly.
Service animals are allowed in our shelters if they show proof of vaccinations and they are on a leash.
In Bradford County, here is the local shelter opening for Nicole:
Starke Elementary School, 1000 West Weldon Street, Starke, Florida is open Nov. 9 at 4:30 p.m. This shelter will offer general population, special needs, and pet friendly services.
How to find a shelter
Here, from the Red Cross, is what you need to do to find a shelter and what you need to bring.
You can find information for open Red Cross shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.
Everyone in Red Cross emergency shelters is required to wear face coverings. Help is free and anyone is welcome, the Red Cross said in a statement. The agency does not require identification to enter a shelter.
You can also find a list of open shelters at floridadisaster.org.
Another option to find open shelters is to follow your county and city officials on social media.
What about pets?
According to the Red Cross, some shelters can accommodate pets, while others may not be able to.
“Our workers will do all they can to accommodate service animals and domesticated pets comfortably,” the organization said. “If you go to a shelter, please bring your own animal crate, supplies, medications and food whenever possible. Depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.”
What do you bring to a shelter?
Prescription medications
Extra clothing
Pillows
Blankets
Hygiene supplies
Comfort items
Important documents
If you are bringing children to a shelter, bring diapers, formula and toys.
