Sheltering

Sheltering refers to the provision of protection and a safe place during times of danger or adverse conditions. It encompasses temporary refuge from natural hazards such as floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and winter storms, as well as protection during armed conflict or public health emergencies. Sheltering can also mean sheltering in place, a strategy of staying indoors to minimize exposure when evacuation is not feasible.

Emergency shelters are facilities established or designated by authorities to accommodate people displaced by disasters. They are typically run by government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and volunteers, and offer basic needs such as food, water, sanitation, medical care, and sleeping spaces. Some shelters provide general admission, while others offer specialized accommodations for families, the elderly, people with disabilities, or victims of gender-based violence. Animal shelters provide refuge for pets and livestock where needed.

Types of sheltering include mass care centers, transit shelters, and temporary housing, as well as longer-term shelters in displacement situations. The decision to shelter in place versus evacuation depends on hazard severity, infrastructure resilience, and access to safe alternatives.

Effective sheltering relies on planning, risk assessment, accessibility, infection control, security, and dignity. Key elements include capacity management, clear intake procedures, privacy considerations, cultural sensitivity, and coordination among agencies. Environmental design aims to provide safe egress, adequate ventilation, and protection from the hazard while allowing for rest and recovery.