Emergency Shelter Operations

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Charlotte County Community Services Department Recreation Division was tasked with the planning, implementation and management of Emergency Shelter Operations for Charlotte County residents, their pets and others displaced from their homes due to significant weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and other declared emergencies. Charlotte County operates four non-special needs emergency shelters for residents, their pets and others in response to declared emergencies within the state of Florida. Sometimes these shelters are utilized by Charlotte County residents as was the case during Hurricane Ian and sometimes they are utilized as “host” shelters utilized by residents of other parts of the state seeking a safe refuge when their homes are in declared emergency and evacuation zones. These emergency shelters are managed and staffed by Community Services staff as well as personnel form The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Fire/EMS, Charlotte County Animal Control, the Charlotte County School Board as well as Community Emergency Response Team volunteers.