Shelters in Flagler County: What you need to know in preparation of Hurricane Irma

Palm Coast Observer
News

Flagler County announced that local shelters will likely open Saturday morning if Hurricane Irma continues on its current predicted course, according to a press release.

“The National Hurricane Center continues to track and define Irma’s path,” Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten said in a press release. “We are paying close attention and planning accordingly. We have not opened shelters yet, and we will send out notification as soon as the decision is made.”

Shelters are being prepared at Rymfire Elementary, 1425 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast, for special needs, and at Bunnell Elementary, 305 N. Palmetto St., Bunnell, for the general population and for residents with crated, domesticated pets.

If needed, the special needs shelter at Rymfire will open first to give extra time to transport residents to that shelter, according to the release. Those who have registered on the special needs evacuation registry will be individually called in advance of the shelter opening.

To notify the community when the shelters are to open, alerts will be posted on Flagler County’s website, flaglercounty.org.

While some cots will be available at the shelters, residents are permitted to bring single/twin size inflatable mattresses. Queen and king size mattresses are not allowed.

All residents should bring:

72-hour supply of all medications
Sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets
Extra chargers and batteries for electronics
Headphones for music devices
Snacks and “comfort foods” – meals will be served
Those with special diets should bring appropriate foods

Not allowed:

weapons, illegal narcotics, alcohol

Residents with pets (Bunnell Elementary only):

Animals must be crated
Animals must have current vaccination records and supplies, including medications
“Pets” are dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents, and turtles
Four pet maximum
No snakes, reptiles or farm animals and livestock
No drop offs

Residents with special needs (Rymfire Elementary):

Special needs residents are those who require assistance with daily living or who have medical conditions that prevent or hinder their ability to care for themselves, as well as those who require electricity or oxygen
A family member or caregiver should stay at the shelter with the individual
Special needs shelters provide only limited medical care

Flagler Schools announced late Wednesday that classes are cancelled Friday and Monday in advance of the storm, as well as all after-school and activities from Friday through Monday.