Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor Hurricane Milton and is opening additional shelters beginning Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 8 am. Residents seeking safe shelter are encouraged to arrive at their planned location by 12 pm on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
Mandatory evacuations have been issued for all areas west of US 19, including evacuation zones A, B, and C. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county-wide, are included. Shelters should be utilized as a last resort. Residents are advised to seek shelter with family or friends who reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 8 am on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the addresses below.
- Challenger K-8
13400 Elgin Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609- Special Needs Clients
- General Population
- Pet Friendly
- West Hernando Middle School
14325 Ken Austin Pkwy., Brooksville, FL 34614- General Population
- Pet Friendly
- Enrichment Center
800 John Gary Grubbs Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34601- General Population
- Pet Friendly
*If you are needing the Special Needs Shelter and have a pet, transportation from either your house or shelter location for your pet is done through Animal Control with Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Please call Hernando County Public Information Center (PIC) at 352-754-4083 to arrange pick up. The PIC is open 8am-5pm on Monday, 7am on Tuesday and then open 24/7 until further notice.
Pet Friendly Shelter Tips
Citizens and their animals are housed in separate sections of the designated shelter(s). If you need to seek shelter with your pet during a declared emergency the following list will help you be prepared:
- Bring your own appropriately sized crate (County resources are limited)
- Bring all your dogs required medications
- Bring several days’ worth of your animals’ food
- Ensure your dog is current on all vaccinations
- Bring your own leash and collar. Ensure your dog is trained to walk on a leash
- Bring any toys and/or bedding that will make your animal comfortable
- If your animal is fearful or shy, bring sheets to cover the crate while still allowing airflow
- If you bring a crate place something unique on it to distinguish it from others
- Understand that your animal will not be housed in the same section as you; however, you will have access to your animal and are still responsible for their care
- Do not buy different snacks or food for the animal that they are not accustomed to, this will often cause the animals to have digestive issues; particularly when they are already stressed
- If your animal has any propensity to bite animals or humans, please obtain and utilize a muzzle
- Bring spray cleaner, paper towels etc., to be able to clean your animal’s crate
Visit www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for tips on what to bring to a shelter and tips for bringing your pet to a pet friendly shelter. Hernando County Government’s Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor and inform our community about storm impacts. Visit the following web and social media sites for more information.
- For the latest local conditions and a complete list of news alerts go to www.HernandoCounty.us/EM
- Sign up to receive weather alerts at www.AlertHernando.org
- Follow us on Facebook:
Stay tuned as more information becomes available. Visit the Hernando County Emergency Management website at www.HernandoCounty.us/EM for all storm-related notices.
For questions or more information, please contact Hernando County’s Public Information Center Monday from 8am-5pm, Tuesday starting 7am for 24/7 operations by dialing (352) 754-4083.
