Volusia County Community Information

For immediate release
October 7, 2024
Media contact: Kelsee Russler

Volusia County Shelters to Open Wednesday for Hurricane Milton

VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA – In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Volusia County is partnering with Volusia County schools to utilize multiple schools as emergency shelters. The following list of shelters will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

General population shelters:

• Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road, Port Orange
• Deland High School, 800 N. Hill Ave., Deland
• University High School, 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave., Orange City
• Mainland High School, 1255 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
• Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., Deland

Special needs shelters:

• Galaxy Middle School, 2400 Eustace Ave., Deltona
• David C Hinson Sr Middle School, 1860 N., Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach

By designating these facilities as shelters in advance, we can ensure that resources are readily available to those in need. Do not bring alcoholic beverages, smoking materials, vaping devices, valuables, weapons, excessive or heavy luggage.

General population shelters

General population shelters are stocked with necessities, including food, water, and a place to sleep. Shelters are not homes or hotels. These accommodations are for survival and are oftentimes crowded and provide little privacy or comfort.

Special needs shelters

Special needs shelters, which will be staffed by health care professionals, will also be available. Evacuees should be accompanied by only one caregiver. These shelters are not for isolated patients or people who need 24-hour dedicated care, a hospital bed, a ventilator, or other complex care. These individuals should discuss other shelter arrangements with their primary care physician, home health service provider, or caregiver.

Pet friendly shelters:
Pets will be accepted at Deland High School, Mainland High School, and Volusia County Fairground shelters, however, owners must bring a few days' worth of pet food and prescription pet meds, food bowls and water bowls, leashes and collars for each pet, Pet ID tags filled out with contact information, drinking water, potty pads or cat litter, crates, and copies of pet medical records.

Transportation to shelters
Votran and Volusia County Schools will provide free transportation to public shelters. All Votran bus stops are evacuation assembly points during an evacuation order. Bus space is limited. Evacuees should take only essential items, such as personal identification, food, bedding, clothing, and medications. Carry-on items are limited to a pillow, blanket, and one carry-on bag (not larger than 22” x 16” x 8”). Residents can also bring a folding chair (i.e. lounge chair to sit or sleep on). 

Volusia County will continue coordinating with state officials and the National Weather Service to assess potential local impacts from the storm. Residents can stay updated by downloading the Volusia Emergency Management app, following the County’s social media channels, or visiting www.volusia.org.