Primary and Secondary Shelter Locations
(Also see - Distribution Points for Supplies and Commodities)

HERTFORD COUNTY, NC

Primary Shelter:
 		 General Shelter Information:
Hertford County High School
1326 W First Street
Ahoskie, NC

Directions:

This shelter is in a public school, located in Ahoskie, NC. It is located near the intersection of US 13 and NC 561.

 

Secondary Shelter:

Hertford County Middle School
Rt. 1 Box 422
Murfreesboro, NC

Directions:

This shelter is a public school and is located near Murfeesboro off NC 11 on
Chowan College Road.


 

 

 

 What Public Shelters Are

Public shelters are a refuge for those seeking temporary safety from a disaster or emergency. Those  going to a public shelter are doing so because they have been ordered to evacuate, caught on the road away from their home, or left their home believing that remaining there was unsafe.

Shelters offer minimal necessities. They are often noisy and crowded. They could be hot, or they could be cold. Usually they are uncomfortable. Restroom facilities are not like you those in your home. Food is not gourmet.

There is often a shortage of volunteers to help manage shelters. You will not be waited on. In fact, you could be asked to help as a shelter worker while staying there.

What shelters are not

They are not fun-filled community centers with organized activities, entertainment and personalized service. They are not a vacation away from home. Shelters are not intended to make available more than minimal needs; a roof overhead, relative safety, restrooms and some food and water.

When to go to a shelter

When shelters are open in Hertford County, you should go to a shelter because the proper authorities have ordered an evacuation of the area in which you reside. You should go to a public shelter when traveling and you determine that wind, flooding or other conditions are such that continued travel is unsafe. You know your own home best. You should go to a public shelter when you determine that conditions at or around your home are no longer safe.

What to bring to a shelter

Hertford County will provide as much as possible in shelters to help our citizens, however those using shelters are expected to bring with them at least the following items:

  • Bedding (Pillow and blankets)
  • Personal / family prescription medications
  • Extra clothing
  • Personal hygiene products and toiletries
  • Books, games (to entertain your children)
  • Special dietary needs (including infant formulas, etc.)
  • Personal identification (drivers license / ID card)

What NOT to bring to a shelter

  • Firearms or knives
  • Illegal drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Fireworks
  • Similar illegal or dangerous items
Pets are not allowed in shelters

Hertford County does not permit pets in its shelters, for health and safety reasons. Keep this in mind as you conduct your family’s disaster planning.

Several options are open to you:

  • Make arrangements to leave the pet(s) with a friend or relative who is not evacuating.
  • Make arrangements with any number of veterinarians in Hertford County who board animals.
  • Arrange for you pet to be boarded outside of Hertford County during an evacuation where it can be properly cared for.

Additional Shelters:

Hertford County may arrange for additional shelter locations, depending upon the circumstances of the disaster or the reason for an evacuation. You should listen to your radio for additional information and up to the minute emergency information.

Special Needs:

If you, a family member, neighbor or loved one is severely handicapped, please remember to bring all the special items that person needs with you. Special Needs shelters may be opened by the Hertford County Department of Social Services, again, depending upon the circumstances of the emergency. Persons with special needs, who are handicapped or need special medications need to have their care giver with them at all times.