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Emergency preparedness for the on-campus resident student is usually managed by the University. During a crisis, when normal campus living activities are disrupted, 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵwould typically provide shelter, food and sanitation facilities, etc., to those who live on campus. For those of us who reside away from campus, the responsibility for our basic needs rests with ourselves and the city or town where we live.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency management Agency, recommends storing and maintaining the following basic supplies for every household:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)
• Matches and waterproof container
• Whistle
• Extra clothing
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards
• Cash and coins
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, wipes and pacifiers
• Other items to meet your unique family n

During the winter months, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes
• Hat, mittens, and scarf
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)

Almost every local television and radio station provides emergency information when the need arises. For our area, the following media outlets provide up-to-date information ranging from weather advisories to emergency shelter locations.

TV Stations

• WCSH Channel 6
• WGAM Channel 13
• WMTW Channel 8

In Maine, each community is responsible for establishing shelters for its residents and visitors. Usually, the Red Cross staffs and maintains these shelters. During a crisis, local television and radio stations will announce the locations of shelters (see above). Typically, these include schools or other public buildings.

• A shelter will not provide the comforts of a hotel or motel.
• The shelter is not a medical shelter; only basic first aid will be available. 
• The Red Cross does not accept responsibility for storing valuable personal property. 
• Parents are required to be in control of their children at all times.
• Evacuees needing medical assistance of personal attendants cannot be left unattended. 
• Shelters are equipped with generators, but they may or may not be air-conditioned. If electrical power is interrupted, portable generators will not be able to keep air conditioners running.

What to Bring

To make your stay at the shelter more comfortable, you should bring:

• Personal hygiene items
• Beddings such as cots, air mattresses, blankets, and pillows for your own use
• Non-perishable snacks and personal meals
• Extra changes of clothing 
• Personal items (medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, flashlights, toothbrushes, battery-operated radios, special diet foods)
• Baby supplies: baby food, formula, juice, diapers, wipes, stroller, portable crib or playpen 
• Driver's license and other identification
• Cash 

What not to Bring

The following are not permitted in an emergency shelter:

• Pets of any type are not allowed in Red Cross shelters. (The only exception is a Pet Friendly Shelter.)
• Firearms or explosive devices 
• Intoxicating or alcoholic beverages 
• Illegal drugs

How to Check In

You must register at the time you enter the shelter. The head of the family may register for all members.

Before Leaving Your Home

• Have a good meal
• Turn off electricity at the fuse box (to prevent possible fire)
• Turn off water at the outside line
• Turn off gas for gas water heaters (to prevent possible fire)

There are other options. However, bear in mind that unlike a public shelter, staying at a hotel will be at your own expense. There are numerous motels and hotels in York County and Cumberland County and we’ve listed a few for you. Make sure to call ahead to be certain they have power, running water, and food available.

Biddeford Area Hotels and Motels

(207) 294-6464

(207) 284-8924 

(207) 934-4949 

(207) 934-2221 

 Sanford/ Kennebunkport 
(207) 324-8823 

(207) 282-5569 

(207) 934-1716

(207) 286-9600 

(207) 282-7222 

(800) 939-4668 

Portland Area Hotels and Motels

(800) 356-3584

(207) 774-5861

(207) 773-6481

(207) 871-7638

(207) 772-1377

(207) 828-1117

 
(207) 780-0780

(207) 775-9090

(207) 774-5611 

(207) 854-1881

(207) 775-0111

(207) 775-1910

(800) 356-3584

(207) 871-0611

(207) 799-3134

(207) 772-2557

(207) 775-2200

(207) 774-6101

(207) 775-0224

(207) 879-8755

(207) 775-5411

(207) 774-4200

(207) 772-1006

(207) 775-3711