(Brooksville, FL) – Hernando County Emergency Management continues to monitor Hurricane Milton and is opening a shelter beginning Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 8 a.m. Residents living west of US 19, in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes county wide, are strongly encouraged to make arrangements for life safety. Residents are advised to seek shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a public shelter will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the below address.
Challenger K-8
13400 Elgin Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609
o Special Needs Clients
o General Population
o 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:
o @HernandoCountyEM
o @HernandoCoGov
o @HernandoCountyFire
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 starting Monday from 8am-5pm by dialing (352) 754-4083.
