Community Emergency Planning in NYC - A Toolkit for Community Leaders

SHELTERS + SERVICE CENTERS

TRIGGERS:

• If a coastal storm evacuation order is issued, the City will open up evacuation centers and shelters.

• The City opens service centers following an emergency where impacted residents need multiple services.

WHAT DOES THE CITY DO?

• At evacuation centers, evacuees can access medical screening, animal assistance, and family reunification before being transported to a shelter:

  • Emergency shelters provide basic provisions such as food, water, baby formula, blankets, medical goods, and supplies for people with disabilities or access/functional needs.

  • Special medical needs (SMN) shelters are established for evacuees who do not require hospital or nursing home care, but need specialized assistance.

• Shelters and service centers provide basic accommodations, such as language interpretation, to make services accessible to all.

• Depending on the emergency, service centers may provide any of the following:

  • Housing assistance

  • Identification replacement

  • Assistance with personal property replacement

  • Immigration assistance

  • Insurance information

  • Legal services and small business assistance

  • Assistance for pets and pet owners

  • Mental health and/or spiritual care

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Spread the word: make residents aware of any resources that become available.

• Help officials identify gaps in services.

• Remind people that monetary donations (instead of goods) are more immediately useful in the aftermath of disasters.

• Join your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and get trained to help support shelter and service center operations.