In the event of a Regional Emergency Response the partner municipalities will band together to assist each other, not only with emergency responders, but with resources to assist evacuees at Reception Centers. This may mean that the Reception Center is not in your municipality. Listen carefully to directions provided by the affected municipalities and use the listings below to locate an active Reception Center near you!
ACTIVE RECEPTION CENTERS:
There are no Reception Centers Active at this time.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE RECEPTION CENTER
Evacuation Center
Pets are not allowed in reception centers however you need to plan for their safety during an evacuation: __ pet ID tags __ pet leashes __ pet medications __ pet water / food dishes __ recent photo
Disabilities are considered when configuring a reception center however sometimes physical barricades exist: __ walker / scooter / cane __ personal medical supplies __ medications __ contact information for support worker / association __ copy of prescriptions or special needs products
Children have limited play options in reception centers: __ passports or child identification information __ small games (cards or electronics) __ favorite toy __ extra clothing __ medications __ contact information if separated
Documents: __ birth certificates / passports __ vehicle & home insurance information __ health care card __ Computers (ipads, ipods, ear buds, chargers) __ important legal papers (home title, ownership documents, etc) __ marriage certificate __ tax returns __ bank information
Medications: __ analgesics __ first aid kit __ motion sickness __ dentures __ prescription glasses __ prescription hearing aids __ prescriptions __ medic alert information or id tags
Jewelry / Sentimental: medals/awards/honors/pins __ family heirlooms / irreplaceable keepsakes __ family bible __ original paintings, photos, slides, movies, etc __ gold/silver/precious and semi precious items
Food / Water / Toiletries: __ manual can opener __ non-perishable ready to each food __ pet food __ water (1 gallon per person per day) __ sanitary devices / supplies __ personal hygiene items (soap, shaving, deodorant, sanitary items) __ tooth brushes / paste __ towels / wash cloths
Clothing: __ one complete change of clothes per person __ several pairs of underwear /socks per person __ coats/ jackets/ footwear to suit the season __ sleepwear (could be in a dormitory style set up)
Time Permitting: __ camera's / chargers / cell phones __ covered container (emergency toilet) __ flashlight/ extra batteries __ portable radio and extra batteries __ Reading and recreational items
What Not to Bring to a Reception Center
The evacuation process is implemented to make people safe and comfortable in a stressful and difficult time. For this reason some items are not permitted at the reception center due to their illegality, dangerous nature or allergic reactions. Here are a few examples of prohibited items:
__ Large quantities of fuel (gasoline, diesel, propane) __ Firearms and Ammunition
__ Alcohol __ Street drugs
__ Pets ( will be redirected to alternate locations) __ Weapons (Knives, Clubs, Chains, etc.)
Preparing Your Home For Evacuation
Interior wall damage from flooding
IF YOU HAVE TIME!
__ shut off your utilities, gas, water, power
__ remove all ornaments and suspended items like wind chimes or bird feeders from treas
__ bring all yard furnishings, bikes, trash cans, toys and outside items into the house and secure
__ empty fridges and deep freezes of contents and block doors and lids open
__ close and lock all windows
__ elevate expensive items such as chesterfields, chairs, mattresses, wooden furniture as far off the floor as possible
__ wrap electronics in layers of plastic wrap and tape securely to prevent water infiltration
__ lock all doors and remove any "emergency keys" you have hidden outside
Returning Home
Depending on the event returning home may be more difficult and traumatic then the original evacuation. In many cases floods, tornadoes and fire have destroyed valuables, keepsakes and our homes. In other cases mold, extended loss of electricity and toxic residues make our homes uninhabitable. It is important that before returning to your home the "All Clear" has been sounded and any inspections that are required have been completed by qualified personnel.
When you return:
__ has your home been inspected to make sure power, water and gas have been restored and there are no leaks
__ do not open sealed fridges or deep freezes if power has been off during the evacuation
__ flooding will cause damage inside your walls so make sure they are properly ventilated
__ work with your insurance company to make informed decisions about your home and needed repairs
__ structural damage may not be visible so make sure if the event has been severe to get professional assistance
__ do not put yourself at risk by moving heavy items without help or by overworking to get things done
__ seek medical help immediately if you become overwhelmed or stressed by your tasks ahead
__ most reception centers or Emergency Communication Centers will have volunteer lists on hand, Ask for Help!
