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1. What is the difference between a WATCH and WARNING?

• WATCH: Conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 48 hours.
• WARNING: Conditions are expected in the specified area within 36 hours.

2. Evacuations?

No current mandatory evacuations have been ordered in the City of Key West or Monroe County for residents or visitors.  Visitors can find more information at www.fla-keys.com. 

3. Where are Re-Entry Stickers for Key West Residents to Pick Up?

Key West residents may pick up re-entry stickers at Fire Station No. 1 and the Police Department, located at 1600 North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West.  Re-entry stickers are available at City Hall Monday - Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM,  located at 1300 White Street in Key West, Florida.  Citizens must prove they are Key West residents to receive a re-entry sticker.

4. Special Needs Registry

More information on special needs registration, visit https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/specialneeds. 

Find out more about special needs registration

5. What do I bring to a shelter?

Take your own supplies:

• Cots or beds are not provided.  Bring pillows, sheets, blankets, a portable cot or air mattress, a chaise lounge, folding chairs, or sleeping bags.
• If you are on a special diet, bring a supply of nonperishable food sufficient for three (3) days per person.
• Multiple changes of clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Required medications and medical support equipment, like wheelchair/walker, oxygen, dressings, feeding and suction equipment, diapers, etc.
• Personal hygiene items, like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, towels, brush/comb, dentures, glasses, eye drops, diapers, etc.
• Entertainment items, like games, cards, books, magazines, etc.
• Wi-fi and cell signals may not be available.

What to Bring to a Shelter:

• Masks and Hand Sanitizer
• Water and Food
• Drinking water in plastic containers (1 gallon per person per day for three (3) days)
• Nonperishable food in cans or sealed containers (enough for three (3) days)
• Special dietary foods, baby food, formula, manual can opener, paper products, and utensils
• Portable ice chest with ice
• Clothing and Bedding
• Extra clothes and shoes
• Sleeping bag, blanket and pillow, and lightweight, portable lounge chairs
• Rain gear                    
• Wash clothes, towels, soap, toothbrush, paper towels, and toilet paper
• Baby Supplies                 
• Clothes and blankets
• Diapers
• Formula, bottles, and food
• Medications and First Aid Supplies
• Medication marked with your name, dosage, type of medication, and doctor's name *Must be able to administer all medications
• First Aid supplies in a waterproof box
• Important Papers
• Name and address of doctors
• Name and address of nearest relatives
• Identification and valuable papers

Miscellaneous:

• Games, cards, toys, battery-powered radios, and flashlights                    
• Take a bath and eat before you leave home
• Register immediately upon entering the shelter

Shelter Rules:

• Residents are required to complete registration before entering the shelter.    
• No weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs    
• No smoking allowed in shelters    
• 'Lights out' quiet time will be enforced    
• No pets in the general population area except service animals    
• Children must be attended to at all times.  Parents are not allowed to leave the premises without them 

Americans Disability Act (ADA) assistance is available at all local shelters.

6. Pet sheltering information

All Monroe County shelters are pet friendly.  Pre-register your pets https://www.monroecountyem.com/938/Pets-at-Shelters

Pet Shelter information can be found here!

7. Will power/water be turned off?

Power and water will not be purposefully turned off before a storm.

8. When do bridges close?

Bridges do not close before a storm.

Conditions can make it unsafe for emergency vehicles and high-profile vehicles to cross bridges due to high winds.  Once winds reach 35 mph, high-profile vehicles should not operate until safe conditions resume.