County offers tips for residents who might need emergency shelter
Johnston County staff take part in emergency shelter training earlier this summer.
SMITHFIELD — In recent decades, hurricanes have brought extensive flooding to Johnston County, forcing some residents to flee their homes.
During emergencies such as a hurricane, Johnston County may open one or more shelters to temporarily house evacuees. County officials evaluate each incident individually to determine if, when and where to open shelters.
Below are some tips for Johnston County residents who might need to seek shelter. County officials encourage Johnston residents to take a few moments to ensure they’re prepared for potential storms and incidents. Residents should develop an emergency plan, assemble a supply kit, plan for medications and pets, and identify how family members will communicate if phone or internet service is disrupted. Resources to help with these efforts are online on the Johnston County Emergency Management website.
What shelters offer
Depending on the shelter and the circumstances, residents can generally expect access to:
- Restrooms.
- Drinking water.
- Basic meals.
- A place to sleep or rest.
Cots or other sleeping accommodations might be available, but supplies can be limited, so bring your own if you have them.
What to bring
Residents should bring the personal items they will need for the duration of their stay, including:
- Prescriptions.
- Over-the-counter medications.
- Necessary medical equipment.
- Identification and important documents.
- Toiletries.
- A change of clothes.
- Phone chargers and other essential electronics.
It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket, pillow and sleeping bag since shelters provide only basic accommodations.
Families should bring supplies for infants or children. Anyone coming with a pet should bring a leash or carrier, plus food, medications and other necessary pet supplies.
What not to bring
Since space in a shelter is limited, residents should avoid bringing unnecessary valuables or large amounts of personal belongings. Johnston County shelters do not allow:
- Weapons.
- Alcohol.
- Illegal drugs.
Residents should also avoid bringing large or bulky items. Items brought to a shelter are subject to review by shelter staff or law enforcement.
Special medical needs
In large-scale incidents, the Johnston County Emergency Operations Center might open a special medical needs shelter for those who meet the established criteria. Those seeking shelter should be prepared to disclose their special medical needs upon arrival.
It is important that everyone have a plan for where they will go before an incident occurs.
What about pets?
Before bringing a pet, residents should check the information provided for that specific shelter to make sure pet accommodations are available.
Only service animals are allowed in the dormitory areas. All other animals will be housed in a separate area with owner access. If pet accommodations are not available at the shelter site, the pet will be transported for boarding by Johnston County Animal Services.
Anyone coming with a pet should bring a leash or carrier, food, medications and other necessary pet supplies.
Do I have to register?
Registration is required on site, not in advance. Shelter staff will collect some information from you. Be prepared to share information about all members of your family entering the shelter. Shelter staff will identify if you have any specific medical or dietary needs and will document any animals you bring with you.
Transportation
In general, residents should provide their own transportation to a shelter.
The Emergency Operations Center serves as the coordination point for incident response and typically establishes a non-emergency call center where residents can ask specific questions, including whether assistance is available for getting to a shelter site.
While the County cannot guarantee transportation, EOC staff try to fill requests, prioritizing those that affect life and safety. In the event of a life-threatening or medical emergency, residents should dial 9-1-1 rather than call the EOC.
What else to know
Shelters provide only basic necessities, so be prepared before visiting a shelter. Shelters do not provide prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, entertainment items, essential electronics, toiletries or baby essentials, including diapers, wipes, formula and bottles.
Where to find shelter information
Johnston County Government and Johnston County Emergency Services always share shelter information on their social media sites. This information is also available on the county’s website, johnstonnc.gov, and on its EM Alerts Dashbord, johnstonnc.gov/emerserv/em/JCArcGis.cfm.
For relatively small incidents affecting a limited number of people, residents may receive notice of an available shelter site through JoCo Alert, the County's free emergency notification service, or through an IPAWS Emergency Alert on their phone.
Page last updated on: September 14, 2026