Evacuation centers have a limited ability to provide medical services. If you are sick or have a serious medical condition, go to a hospital instead of a center.
If you need oxygen tanks or other medical equipment, bring it with you to the evacuation center. You will probably be taken to a Special Medical Needs Evacuation Center.
Refrigeration for medication will only be provided at accessible evacuation centers. If possible, bring a small cooler or ice pack so that you can keep your medicine cold.
If you have a disability, prepare for hurricanes or coastal storms immediately. Use the "Ready New York: My Emergency Plan + Hurricanes and New York City" workbook.
The guide includes information on:
If possible, make arrangements with friends, family, or neighbors before weather conditions become severe. If an evacuation order is in effect for your area, stay with family or friends if possible and use shelters as a last resort. Check and see if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If they have symptoms or people at higher risk in their home, make other arrangements. If needed, you will be directed to an evacuation center or shelter.
Most shelters do not have special equipment, such as oxygen and mobility aids. Some of them will be able to address special needs.
Shelters will take pets and service animals, but you must bring supplies and food for them. Carriers are strongly recommended to contain pets in a crowded environment. If you must go to an evacuation center or shelter, remember to follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting yourself and family from COVID-19.
Download the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan + Hurricanes and New York City workbook.
Get more information about accessible transportation options.
Centers will provide access to charging stations for electronic devices. Individuals who need to charge medical or other equipment will be given priority. New York City is not responsible for items or devices that are left unattended.
Keep enough supplies in the home to survive for up to 7 days, including:
At all times, you are allowed to bring a pet in a carrier on MTA subways, buses, and trains. You must have the pet muzzled and controlled on a sturdy leash. When an evacuation order is declared, you can bring a legal pet too large for a carrier.
Make every effort to shelter your pets with friends or family outside of the evacuation area. Only legal pets will be allowed in evacuation centers. Service animals are always allowed.
If you bring your pet to an evacuation center, please bring supplies to care for your pet, including:
You are responsible for the feeding, clean up, and care of your pet at the center.
You do not need a cage or carrier for a service animal that helps people with disabilities.
The City has many accessible evacuation centers with various features, including wheelchair accessibility.
You can find wheelchair accessible evacuation centers using the NYC Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder which provides directions and other details.
