- December 15, 2025
The Flagler County Health Department, in cooperation with the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center and Florida Hospital Flagler, participated in a mock emergency shelter exercise Friday, March 30.
The health department assists in operating and staffing special needs and functional shelters in case of an emergency. In 2004, the department ran a shelter three separate times but has had a great deal of staff turnover since then.
“Only one-third of our staff has operated a shelter; none of us have done this as a team, together,” said Patrick H. Johnson, Flagler County Health Department administrator.
This exercise allowed the group to simulate running a shelter with patients who act out a variety of symptoms.
Out-of-town professionals judged how well the nurses gave care and the overall effectiveness of the shelter operations.
The Community Emergency Response Team and the Medical Reserve Corps also participated.
