Shelters

Special Needs ShelterElderly

Residents requiring special needs can register for the special needs shelter to ensure help will be given following a major emergency. It is important to register prior to a pending storm.

Registration and criteria

If you are disabled, or do not qualify for the Special Needs Shelter Program, live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and only require transportation assistance in reaching a shelter call Palm Tran Connection for the Special Transportation Assistance Program by calling 561-649-9848 or 877-870-9849 (toll free.

Pet Friendly Hurricane Shelter

The Pet Friendly Shelter is located inside the West Boynton Recreational Center at 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth, FL 33463 and is only available to Palm Beach County residents who reside in a mandatory evacuation zone, in a mobile home, or in sub-standard housing. Proof of residency will be required.

Please note, due to COVID-19 pet owners will NOT be permitted to stay at the Pet Friendly Shelter. Owners may drop pets off at the Pet Friendly Shelter and after checking the pet(s) in, owners and family members may proceed to the general population shelter at Park Vista High School, which is adjacent to the Pet Friendly Shelter.  

Equines, livestock, small barnyard animals, exotic pets, and reptiles are not accepted at the Pet Friendly Shelter. Aggressive dogs may be refused if it is determined that it is unsafe for staff to care for and handle the pet.

For more information and pre-registration, visit: PBC Animal Care and Control.

Hurricane Evacuation Shelters  Shelters With Evac Zones_2021 Opens in new window

Palm Beach County currently operates  hurricane evacuation shelters across the County. All hurricane evacuation shelters meet current ARC 4496 design standards to withstand hurricane force winds, including window strength and protection, wind and debris exposure, and storm surge inundation. Click Shelters for a list of those shelters including new shelter considerations post Covid-19. 

A hurricane evacuation shelter is a refuge of last resort; a place to go if you can’t stay at home or with a relative, friend, or co-worker or nearby hotel.  While shelters are set up in schools, the timing of their opening and locations can change due to the circumstances of the storm.  Not all shelters are opened for every storm.  Monitor local media for current shelter openings and locations.

Palm Beach County and Palm Beach County Schools manage public shelters.  Shelters provide simple meals and beverages; if you have special dietary needs or want snacks, you must bring your own. Shelters provide basic first aid only; cots and medical care are not provided.

What to bring to the Shelter

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (i.e., Facial coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer)
  • Three-day supply of water per person (i.e., three-gallons per person).
  • Prescription and emergency medications; you must be able to take all medications by yourself.
  • Special-diet foods (e.g., snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions or allergies).
  • Basic snacks.
  • Bedding materials (e.g., pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, etc.).
  • Comfortable clothing (at least two changes).
  • Collapsible/folding beach chair or camp chair.
  • Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, & clothes.
  • Flashlight, extra batteries.
  • Cellphone, with a battery-operated charger.
  • Radio with extra batteries and headphones.
  • Important documents (identification, medical records, insurance information, deeds or leases, birth certificates and utility bills showing your home address).
  • Photocopies of valuable documents.
  • Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures.
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items.
  • Quiet games, books, playing cards, favorite toys, or other items for entertainment.
  • Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled.
  • Chargers/cables for any electronic devices you bring  - electrical outlets are limited.