Denver……Get ready, already!
A shelter is a
safe location to stay temporarily in the event of an emergency or disaster.
When such shelters are opened, they'll be announced on social media, local
radio, television broadcasts and Denvergov.org. Please remember, using a
shelter should be a choice of last resort with every effort to stay with
friends, family, or commercial lodging during an emergency. Denver will work
diligently to provide a safe space for your protection during an emergency, but
your personal preparation is really the key to the success of your experience.
Review some commonly asked questions and answers regarding emergency public
shelter information.
When Do Shelters
Open?
The City and
County of Denver will open a shelter when there is an identified need that is
unmet by existing resources. The City has pre-identified six shelters
throughout the City which are fully accessible based upon the average number of
residents who may require assistance. Not all shelters will be opened at the
same time, so please monitor social media, local radio, television broadcasts,
and Denvergov.org in times of emergency to know which ones are open.
Accessible City
and County of Denver Shelter Locations:
- Cook Park Recreation Center
7100 Cherry Creek
Dr. South
Denver, CO 80224
- La Alma Recreation Center
1325 W. 11th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
- Scheitler Recreation Center
5031 W. 46th
Avenue
Denver, CO 80212
- Southwest Recreation Center
9200 W. Saratoga
Place
Denver, CO 80123
- St Charles Recreation Center
3777 N Lafayette
St.
Denver, CO 80205
- Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 E Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
How a Shelter
Works:
When you first
arrive, you will need to check-in and complete the required paperwork. Service
animals that assist people with disabilities or
access and functional needs are allowed in the City and County of Denver
shelters. Next, a staff member will direct you to the sleeping area to show you
where you may set your personal belongings. Each person is provided
approximately 20 square feet. Please be courteous to others as there is very
little personal space. Once set up, try to relax and settle in. Meal times and
shelter rules will be posted. Once the incident passes, shelter clients will be
advised when it is safe to leave. Officials must first give the all-clear as
roads may be damaged or blocked by downed wires, trees, or flooding. Make sure
to gather all of your belongings and clean up after yourself before leaving the
shelter.
Who Should Go to a
Shelter?
If
you do not have any other options and one of the following conditions apply:
·
If your home is threatened or you live in
an unsafe structure
·
If you live within a mandatory evacuation
zone or low-lying flood zone
·
If you do not have ample supplies to
prepare your home for a disaster
·
Anyone can go to a shelter if they do not
feel safe
What to Bring to a
Shelter:
- Identification, essential documents, cash and flash-light
- Books, magazines, quiet toys for kids
- For infants: Enough food, supplies, diapers, blankets, bedding, and clothing
People with Disabilities or Access and Functional Needs Should
Consider Adding the Following Supplies to
their Go Bag:
·
Manuals and extra batteries for any devices you use
·
Notepad and pen to communicate
·
Emergency health information card
·
Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat
wheelchair or scooter tires
·
Magnifying glasses
·
Extra mobility canes
·
Supplies for your pets or service animal (e.g., extra water,
bowl, leash, plastic bags, toys and treats, etc.)
·
Items to comfort you in a stressful situation
·
Back-up medical equipment such as oxygen, medication, scooter
battery, hearing aids, mobility aids
For more information on what to bring to a shelter for people
with disabilities visit: www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs
What NOT to Bring
to a Shelter:
- Illicit Drugs
- Alcohol
- Firearms and Weapons
Stay
Informed
Services
for People with Disabilities | Denver 911
Registry
for Special Needs Residents
You may now submit
information about yourself, or other members of your household, who have
special needs or disabilities to help 911 respond appropriately during an emergency.
Your information will remain confidential and will give officers advance
warning about your circumstance prior to responding.
This form should not
be used to report emergencies. If you have a current emergency, please call 911
immediately. Register now!
Loa Esquilín García | Public Information Officer
Office of Emergency
Management City and County of Denver
Office – 720-865-7652 | Cell –
720-557-5661
Loa.esquilin@denvergov.org
Loa.esquilin@denvergov.org
