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Volusia County's "Host Home" program
In Volusia County, as many as 225,000 residents who live in evacuation zones, mobile homes or areas that are prone to severe flooding may be at risk during strong winds or flooding. Combined with an estimated 41,000 visitors staying in the area, nearly 266,000 people potentially are at risk from hazardous weather.
Public space is very limited and offers limited accommodations. The Host Home shelter plan is designed to provide alternative sheltering for evacuees. Residents who live in non-evacuation zones volunteer to shelter additional people in their homes during an evacuation.
The Host Home plan works best when people know each other or have some trait in common, such as working for the same company, worshipping at the same church or belonging to the same civic organization.
This concept is oriented toward the business/organization/association communities, but it can be applied to the general populace. Members of these groups who live in non-evacuation zones are encouraged to host other members who do live in evacuation areas. Also, similar businesses or sister organizations can host other organizations or use their places of employment or houses of worship as safe shelter.
Each Host Home must be prepared properly for emergencies and be able to accommodate additional people. Everyone must do their part. Join Volusia County's TEAM (Together Emergencies Are Managed) and consider being a Host Home this year. Help us shelter our local population at risk.
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