The Villages Shelters.
 

That's useful information. Thanks Graciegirl.

I bet after this is over and done The Villages will re-evaluate their shelter policy. Seems like with all the rec centers and the 3 schools something here could be pet friendly.

The Groundhog Day tornado really did a number on one of these Recreation Centers. It had quite a lot of damage. 2007 Groundhog Day tornado outbreak - Wikipedia

My guess is that a lot of these would not withstand very high winds.

Gracie, what for dinner tomorrow !!!

[QUOTE=JGVillages;1445290]I bet after this is over and done The Villages will re-evaluate their shelter policy. Seems like with all the rec centers and the 3 schools something here could be pet friendly.[/QUOTE]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I agree, seniors should not be put in a position where they can choose safety only if they are willing to abandon their beloved pet that depends on them. There should be one pet-friendly shelter in The Villages for sure.
It could require that all pets be crated, that's a reasonable solution.

I'll probably be pounced upon here....but here goes. We were watching the news last night and they showed a "pet friendly" shelter. The room had ALL the animals separated from their humans, in crates but the noise was horrible. The dogs were mostly barking or whining and shivering! I KNOW folks in manufactured homes need to go somewhere as do their animals BUT it didn't seem like a pleasant experience for these pets. I don't know of another viable solution to this (other than fore-going having a pet). It's a delimma for sure!

I think our community, county and state is doing the best they know how in this dire situation and I for one, appreciate it. The news coverage has been great (if not a bit over-saturated...but they have to do it). LOTS of information on t.v., the radio, the press and social media. IF anyone says "I didn't know!"---then they've been living under a rock!!

Shelters are packed. When it comes to having enough room for people or having utilized space for dogs and cats instead, then no pets should be allowed, period.

Seems that some prioritize pet safety over human safety. If it is your life and you want to die with Fluffy or Mittens, that is your choice, but if the space Fluffy is filling in a shelter has closed it to a human, that is terrible allocation of shelter resources. Animals should get triaged out, people get triaged in.

I "have been told" that the Villages up until now had recently not made their buildings available for shelters is because once in the past when they were allowing use of the school as a shelter, someone damaged some wallpaper. End of use of the buildings.

An ideal shelter has safe space, open floor plan, eg gym or cafeteria areas, a kitchen, bathrooms, and parking. Bonus for showers, bonus for wifi and cable for ability to track news updates.

It's a dilemma for sure. Shelters are not pleasant places but they do save lives.

As to "living under a rock," keep in mind that there are many folks living with dementia who are not capable of planning ahead. Their pet may be their only family. They refuse to leave it behind.

Folks, we all pay taxes to support our respective county EMA. They are the safety net for those who can't make responsible choices. The EMA mission is preparedness for all scenarios. Residents shouldn't be left to perish because they can't bring their pet. This is pathetic.

As to available space, I think it's great the Villages is helping (they aren't required to) but never heard what churches are doing. I didn't see them listed on the county sites but that may have been a preliminary list. I hope so.

I agree that people clearly trump pets. No question there. But there are many churches with a LOT of space. Is it being used to help? Don't they have a moral obligation?

Shelter phone numbers
 

I'm in North Carolina but need to get in touch with storm shelters for my mom and dad that live in The Villages.
Need to contact shelters because of special needs.
But I can not find any phone numbers.
Does any one have a link to Shelter phone numbers???

The morning after Andrew hit in Homestead we were ordered to break into South Dade High School and make it a shelter. This was August 25th, days before the schools were to be opened. We cut open locks and broke down doors. The reefers in the cafeteria were loaded with food. People in distress really step up and take charge. I'll never forget the woman I placed in charge after we set everything up. Went back a few days later and she had everything squared away.

we live in philiips villages...we are willing to take someones dog up to 15 pounds until the storm passes or you can get back in your home...respond to the post...or i am at engleson2024@yahoo.com...we have two dogs already....a poodle and king Charles.

You are kinda late to the party, but
Depending on the county they live, check the web sites for emergency information.

This was posted on another thread....Good Luck
Village Community Development Districts

Sumter County, FL - Official Website
Lake County Emergency Management - Hurricane Harvey & Irma - Speed Wealthy
HURRICANE IRMA — Marion County Sheriff's Office

If you don't know the county, google
lake county Florida emergency management

That site lists a number of shelters. You probably don't need to live within specific county, but I would ask. They can direct you to closest shelter.

Don't delay!