Shelters are there to keep us safe

SEAN THOMAS
Staff Writer

Shelters are a last resort. The word 'resort' shouldn't even be used. County Officials have warned numerous times that shelters are not meant to be comfortable, simply safe. In the event of Hurricane, residentsliving in flood prone areas, mobile homes or unsafe homes are advised to utilize shelters.

But life isn't cushy in shelters. Lake County Director of Emergency Management Jerry Smith said the eight public shelters available in the county are meant to protect residents, but if you are looking for the comforts of home you should find a friend or family to stay with.

"It is not a holiday inn express," Smith said. "Their primary purpose is a school. So the comfort capabilities are not what most people think." Seven of the eight shelters have generators, but those are used to power lights and the cafeteria to provide meals. Smith said the schools will not have air conditioning only fans to circulate the air. Space in a shelter is limited to 20-square-feet per person. With such limited space, only essential items should be brought to the shelter including blankets, medications, a radio and flashlights. This year will also be the first time all the shelters in Lake County will be petfriendly shelters. Sumter County does provide petfriendly shelters.

Smith said the county was aware many of the people that utilize shelters in the county are less likely to evacuate if they can't take care of their pets. Smith said that is why the county moved to having all its shelters pet-friendly. Residents are required to bring their pets in a crate along with food and water for the animal. Each pet-owner will be given a bracelet and assigned a time to come and take care of their pet's needs. Make sure to bring up to date records on vaccinations and rabies shots.

Safety is always a concern at shelters, but Sheriff Chris Daniels said each individual entering a shelter will be screened to ensure sexual offenders and predators are not taking refuge in public shelters.

"We just don't let them in our public shelters," Daniels said.

Sex offenders are instead offered the option of space at the Lake County Jail in an unsecured area, not in a cell, and are free to come and go as they please.

Items to bring to a shelter

Blankets, pillows and sleeping bags

Two-week supply of prescribed medications

Personal items including books and toys

Important papers, such as valid identification

Battery-operated radio and flashlight

Extra clothing

Toiletries

Infant necessities

Source: Lake County Government

EMERGENCY SHELTERS

Lake County Shelters
Astatula Elementary, 13925 Florida Ave., Astatula
Leesburg Elementary, 2229 South St., Leesburg
Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont
Pine Ridge Elementary, 10245 County Road 561, Clermont
Round Lake Elementary, 31333 Round Lake Road, Mount Dora
Treadway Elementary, 10619 Treadway School Road, Leesburg
Umatilla Elementary, 401 Lake St., Umatilla
Villages Elementary, 695 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake

Sumter County Shelters

Webster Elementary School, 349 Market Blvd. SR 471, Webster
North Sumter Intermediate School, 300 E. Huey St., Wildwood
North SUmter Primary School, 104 N. Warfield Ave., Wildwood
Wildwood Community Center, 6500 CR 139, Wildwood
Villages Middle School, 450 Village Campus CR 466, The Villages
The Villages High School, 251 Buffalo Trail CR 466, The Villages

(Both counties have plans to open shelters on a need-basis)