Evacuation Shelters

If you live in an evacuation zone, remember that an American Red Cross (public) hurricane evacuation shelter should be considered as a place of last resort to ride out a hurricane. Public shelters are ideal for people who have no other place to go in an emergency. American Red Cross shelters may be crowded, do not accept pets and are not designed for comfort.

The operation of emergency shelters is a massive undertaking, utilizing a regional planning concept. In the event that a tropical storm or hurricane approaches Horry County, Baseline Sheltering Operations, listed below, will be implemented.

Baseline Sheltering Operations
During Baseline Sheltering Operations, Horry County Schools will be prepared to handle approximately 13,416 people requesting public shelter. Shelters will be opened at a specified time. Which shelters open and when will be determined in conjunction with the start of the coastal evacuation.

These shelters will open within four (4) hours of the Governor issuing a Mandatory Evacuation Order.

Zone A Shelters

Citizens should stay tuned to local media or visit the American Red Cross (Horry County Chapter) website for the latest shelter information.

If you or a loved one has a special medical needs, you should contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) regarding their Special Medical Needs Shelter at 1-800-578-2031. Preregistration for special medical needs shelters is required.

For questions about bus routes and help with transportation to the Red Cross shelters, contact Coast RTA or visit: www.ridecoastrta.com/routes-and-schedules/evacuation-information.aspx