evacuatiecentrum

An evacuatiecentrum, or evacuation center, is a temporary shelter established to house people who have been evacuated from a danger zone due to natural disasters, fires, industrial incidents, or other imminent threats. The center is typically set up by local authorities or emergency services in coordination with municipalities, and may involve NGOs such as the Red Cross. Its primary purpose is to provide immediate accommodation, basic needs and access to information while the situation is resolved or until residents can return home or relocate to more permanent housing.

Facilities and services at an evacuatiecentrum include sleeping space, meals and drinking water, sanitation facilities, and medical care. Support services often cover psychosocial assistance, child care, information desks, translation, and security. Where possible, arrangements are made for people with special needs and for pets. The goal is to maintain dignity, safety, and accessibility for all evacuees.

Operation and management are typically organized within an incident command or shelter management structure. A shelter manager and staff coordinate registration, triage of urgent needs, logistics, and daily activities, with support from volunteers, police, and healthcare workers. Privacy and data protection are important, as is the coordination of services and clear communications to evacuees.

In the Netherlands, evacuation centers are part of the regional risk management system and are activated by Veiligheidsregio’s in collaboration with municipalities and humanitarian partners. Locations often include sports halls, schools, community centers, or hotels, and the centers operate as temporary solutions until people can return or be relocated to longer-term housing—often transitioning to emergency or crisisopvang as needed.