Evacuation Centers

Evacuation center residents must follow these rules:

• Register with the front desk. Sign in and out.
• Resect quiet hours.
• Help keep the shelter clean.
• No alcohol or drugs are permitted.
• No firearms or weapons.
• Smoke only in designated areas.
• No household pets are allowed except for services animals. Allowable household pets must be placed in the pet evacuation center if one is opened.
• No photos or videoing of residents inside the evacuation center.
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• The evacuation center and the City of Virginia Beach are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• All questions and concerns should be addressed with evacuation center team members or the evacuation center manager.

Be sure to bring enough supplies to last at least three days for each family member. Supplies are often hard to come by ahead of a storm and maybe even more difficult during a pandemic. Many of the items listed below are also needed as part of a well-stocked emergency kit. 

You should gather supplies early – well ahead of any storms – and have them ready in case of an emergency.

• Face masks and/or cloth face coverings.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Disinfectant wipes.
• Bottled water.
• Canned/packaged food (snacks or special dietary items).
• Manual can opener & cooler, as needed.
• Portable flashlight & batteries.
• Folding chairs.
• Change of comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Cot or sleeping bag, blanket & pillow.
• Quiet games, toys, books, cards.
• Phone charger.
• Hand-held devices (tablets, games, etc.) with headphones or earbuds.
• First aid kit and any medications.
• Toiletries, glasses or contact lenses, contact cleaning solution, hearing aids, toothbrush/toothpaste, and dentures.
• ID, car keys, credit cards, and cash.
• Photocopies of important papers (insurance policies, proof of residence, etc.).
• Baby supplies (food or formula, diapers, etc.).
• Durable medical equipment (cane, walker, etc.).
• Pet supplies.

The following items are not allowed in evacuation centers:

• Alcohol, drugs, other illegal substances.
• Smoking, matches, lighters.
• Loud radios or televisions.
• Weapons of any kind (guns, knives, chains, etc.).

The medically friendly component of an evacuation center is for people who require sheltering assistance due to physical, mental, or cognitive impairment or a sensory disability that exceeds the basic level of care provided for the general population.  This includes helping with administering medication and personal hygiene assistance for daily living activities such as washing dressing, and eating. 

The medically friendly component is not for people who have significant medical problems, injuries, or illness and/or that require total dependence on others for care.  Examples include individuals who are bedridden, have NG tubes for feeding, require monitoring and pain management after a recent injury, are recovering from surgery, or are contagious.

City officials may open a pet shelter if needed. The pet shelter will accept dogs, cats, birds, turtles, and other small mammals. Amphibians, reptiles, arachnids, and farm animals are not accepted at the pet shelter. Owners will need to make alternate arrangements elsewhere for animals not accepted at the pet shelter.

Owners should plan to bring the following items for their pets:

• Leash/collar
• Crate
• Food
• Medicine
• Vaccination records
• Comfort care items

Owners will be expected to care for their pets.