En español »

Wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters can strike at any time, including in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.  Public safety officials are working cooperatively across agencies to implement proactive strategies for emergency sheltering to keep the community safe during the pandemic.

Emergency sheltering in a COVID-19 environment presents new challenges. These challenges will require adaptability and flexibility from all Sonoma County residents to ensure we are ready.

Care and Shelter Sites

In the event an evacuation warning or evacuation order is issued, a care or shelter site may be established to receive evacuees and provide information, assistance, and screening.  If a care and shelter site is designated, it may be set up in one of two ways:

• A parking lot. Evacuees arriving by car line up in the parking lot and are to remain in their vehicle during the screening. If arriving by foot or bicycle, or you are dropped off by a taxi or ride-share service (e.g., Uber), maintain physical distancing and stay 6 feet away from other people.
• A brick-and-mortar location. Individuals are to maintain physical distancing and stay 6 feet away from other people.

In the case of an evacuation warning, a care and shelter site may not yet be identified.  Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.  DO NOT WAIT for the announcement of a care and shelter site or an evacuation order to leave if you feel threatened by the incident.  Self-evacuate if you feel that you may be in danger.

Initial Screening

Evacuees arriving at a care and shelter site will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure by Public Health or other qualified personnel.  Based on screening results, individuals will be routed or transported to the most appropriate shelter site.

COVID-19 positive individuals under a Health Officer Order and members of their household that evacuate should inform screeners of their status.

Any individuals who are screened and identified as COVID-19 positive or symptomatic, and/or have been exposed to COVID-19, will not be sheltered with the general population.  Individuals who are COVID-19 positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 will be sheltered at a location that most appropriately meets their needs.

Shelter Modifications

Emergency shelter personnel will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official guidance, local Health Officer orders, and best practices to protect shelter guests and workers and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.  Modifications to shelter operations include:

• Temperature checks, ongoing screening, and assessment of shelter guests and workers for COVID-19 symptoms.  Shelter workers will use personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting temperature checks and screening.
• Increased cleaning and sanitation according to CDC and public health guidelines.
• Individual meals distributed (no buffet set-up or lines).
• Cots spaced further apart to allow for physical distancing.
• Face coverings will be required.
• Various types of facilities and settings to meet the needs of evacuees will be considered.

Make a Plan, Update Your Emergency Kit Today

Now is the time to update your emergency plan and kit!  Talk to your family and friends about evacuation and sheltering plans during the pandemic.  Identify locations out of the area you will be able to evacuate to, such as homes of friends or family.  Consider what additional supplies you may need to add to your emergency go-kit, such as face coverings and hand sanitizer.

• Emergency planning tools and templates are available at gov/plan.
• Need help putting together an emergency kit? Visit gov/kit for tips on how to build a kit.
• Persons with disabilities and other access and functional needs can use this template to create a personal emergency plan and kit.
• Remember to plan for pets! More information at https://www.ready.gov/pets.

Sign-up for SoCo Alerts

Stay informed and receive local alerts, including evacuation and sheltering information during an emergency. Sign up for SoCo Alerts today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Search FAQs

List of FAQs