What Should You Bring to a Shelter?

• Water (at least one gallon of water per person, per day)

• Food non-perishable, such as ready to eat meats, fruits, vegetables, and canned juices

• High-energy food such as peanut butter, jelly crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and other snack foods

• Special foods, such as sugar-free, low salt, and diet foods

• Manual can opener

• Eating and drinking utensils

• Clothing and bedding

• One complete change of clothing including footwear

• Sleeping bag, blanket and pillow (cots for elderly)

• Rain gear and sturdy shoe

Personal Items:

• Washcloth, small towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, towelettes, etc

Baby Supplies:

• Clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, food, blankets, etc.

Healthcare Items:

• Medications - enough for two weeks

• Medical equipment you use, such as

  • Oxygen (this is not supplied by the shelters, including the special needs shelters)

  • Glucometer

  • Oxygen-condentrator

  • Nebulizer

  • Wheelchair

  • Walker

  • Cane

  • Crutches

  • Diabetic Supplies

Important papers:

• Name, address, and phone number of doctors

• Name, address, and phone number of relatives not living in area

• Identification and valuable papers such as insurance papers

Miscellaneous:

• Games, cards, toys, battery powered radios, flashlights (no candles or lanterns), batteries, and other reasonable items you may need

• Take a bath and eat before you leave home

• Register immediately upon entering a shelter

• Obey shelter rules

• Keep the building safe and sanitary.