Miami-Dade Shelter And Evacuation Information
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and Miami-Dade County is urging residents to familiarize themselves with shelters and bus routes available in case of an emgergency. Please note that not all of the centers and bus routes listed below may be in service during an evacuation.
For the latest information on which centers and bus routes are up and running residents should monitor CBS4 or call the Miami-Dade answer center at 305-468-5900 or 3-1-1.
EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS:
Evacuation orders are issued by zones or partial zones. Use the Storm Surge Planning Zone Finder for more.
Areas of the County that should evacuate will be announced through miamidade.gov and local media.
Once an evacuation is announced, the list of open centers will become available on www.miamidade.gov or by calling 311. Emergency bus pick-up sites will be activated to provide transportation to and from the evacuation centers. Emergency evacuation bus pick-up sites are identified by a sign that reads "EMERGENCY EVACUATION BUS PICK-UP SITE."
If a designated pick-up site is not located near you, use Miami-Dade Transit to get to a pick-up location. Advise the bus operator of your intention to go to an emergency evacuation pick-up site.
Not every evacuation center location will open for every emergency. Decisions are based on the National Hurricane Center's forecast in order to determine when and where landfall will occur.
Each evacuee is allotted 20 square feet of space at the evacuation center, so please bring only essential items. All evacuation centers meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for sheltering. Service animals are permitted.
If you need to evacuate, it is important to bring:
- Sleeping bag/mat or folding cot/lawn chair
- Infant and child care items, such as formula, diapers, toys, etc.
- Cash
- Personal hygiene items
- Comfort materials, such as books, magazines, etc.
- Medication (refrigeration will be available for prescription or emergency medication)
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Extra clothing
- Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
While hurricane evacuation centers will provide meals such as sandwiches and soups, it will take time to get the food set up and served, so you should eat before you leave your home.
If you have a special diet, you should bring those dietary items with you, so as to ensure the highest level of comfort during your evacuation away from home.
It is strongly recommended to bring portable electronic devices — such as phones, tablets and battery packs - fully charged as there are limited outlets at evacuation centers.
Pet owners residing in an evacuation zone, unsafe structure or trailer are encouraged to come to a pet-friendly evacuation center.
Animal Services operates pet-friendly shelters during emergencies. Pre-registration is not required to use the evacuation center. Evacuation centers will be announced as needed.
Upon arrival, pets will be examined by a licensed veterinarian to determine if the pet presents a safety risk. Any pet deemed a risk will not be allowed to enter the evacuation center.
