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What is a Disaster Shelter?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A disaster shelter is a structure or building used to sustain life during and after a disaster. This structure provides protection from the elements, such as wind and rain, as well as chemicals and other hazards. For example, a disaster shelter may house humans and animals during a tornado, landslide, or other type of natural disaster. It may also provide protection after a chemical spill sends hazardous fumes into the air. A disaster shelter may even provide protection after a terrorist attack that intentionally releases hazardous substances into the air or causes other dangerous situations.

Sometimes disaster shelters are located in schools, churches, or public buildings. These shelters accommodate large numbers of people who gather together to weather a storm or other type of disaster. Public disaster shelters can become overcrowded in an emergency, and people entering them cannot expect privacy.

Many Midwestern American homes incorporate shelters that can protect against tornadoes.
Many Midwestern American homes incorporate shelters that can protect against tornadoes.

Public disaster shelters may have limited emergency supplies to share, or none at all. A shelter may have emergency medical equipment and a backup source of power, but those seeking shelter may need to take food and water from home. People may also wish to take enough clothing to last them for several days, as well as blankets and pillows when going to a shelter. Many disaster shelters that are open to the public do not allow animals, so people usually have to leave their pets at home or make other arrangements for them.

For cleansing purposes, washcloths should be included in a disaster shelter.
For cleansing purposes, washcloths should be included in a disaster shelter.

Individuals seeking shelter may also take required medications to a disaster shelter. A significant amount of time may pass before they are able to go home and retrieve medication or have prescriptions refilled. People should also take a washcloth and a towel or two, as well as toilet paper, napkins, feminine hygiene supplies, and other items required for personal care. It’s wise to take along a contact list of family members, physician contact information, identification, and insurance cards and documentation. Flashlights, batteries, and battery-powered radios may also prove useful.

Non-electric can openers should be included in a disaster shelter.
Non-electric can openers should be included in a disaster shelter.

Sometimes people choose to build their own disaster shelters in their homes or on their property. These shelters are intended to protect against shifts in the earth caused by earthquakes, damage that could occur from tornadoes and hurricanes, radiation, air contamination, and explosions. Some companies build disaster shelters that are even said to protect against nuclear blasts. These shelters are usually sized to fit just one family and have room for storing the food, water, and other supplies a family may need in a disaster.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • Many Midwestern American homes incorporate shelters that can protect against tornadoes.
      By: maldesowhat
      Many Midwestern American homes incorporate shelters that can protect against tornadoes.
    • For cleansing purposes, washcloths should be included in a disaster shelter.
      By: Schlierner
      For cleansing purposes, washcloths should be included in a disaster shelter.
    • Non-electric can openers should be included in a disaster shelter.
      By: Denis Junker
      Non-electric can openers should be included in a disaster shelter.
    • Disaster shelters may be utilized in the aftermath of a nuclear accident.
      By: bptu
      Disaster shelters may be utilized in the aftermath of a nuclear accident.
    • Survival kits with flashlights and storm radios should be a part of any disaster shelter.
      By: photka
      Survival kits with flashlights and storm radios should be a part of any disaster shelter.
    • Some companies build disaster shelters that are said to protect against nuclear blasts.
      By: The Official CTBTO Photostream
      Some companies build disaster shelters that are said to protect against nuclear blasts.
    • People may need to be evacuated to a disaster shelter temporarily during floods.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      People may need to be evacuated to a disaster shelter temporarily during floods.
    • Churches are often used as disaster shelters.
      By: Elena Belyaeva
      Churches are often used as disaster shelters.
    • People need to seek shelter during severe thunderstorms.
      By: valdezrl
      People need to seek shelter during severe thunderstorms.
    • Most disaster shelters are equipped with a first aid kit.
      By: Paul Gibbings
      Most disaster shelters are equipped with a first aid kit.