DAEs will serve as staff in the General Population, Special Needs and Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers and in post-incident shelters opened for residents displaced by the disaster.

General Population Evacuation Centers:  DAEs working at these sites will act as a liaison between the American Red Cross Shelter Manager and the county's Emergency Operation Center (EOC).  This individual will work to resolve concerns and disputes between participating agencies, evacuees and the EOC.  This person must communicate effectively, demonstrate strong supervisory skills and be completely knowledgeable about the operations within the evacuation center or post-disaster shelter.

One main task of the Hurricane Evacuation Center (HEC) liaisons is the distribution of blankets and floor pads.  Only a limited amount of bedding supplies will be delivered to each HEC.  The HEC liaison will be responsible for distributing the supplies to the appropriate evacuees.  The HEC liaison should meet with the ARC Registration Supervisor frequently to obtain a shelter population count and be advised on any evacuees that should receive bedding supplies.  First priority must be given to the elderly and frail population in the shelter.  It is important that the criteria to receive a blanket and/or floor pad are posted and followed to avoid any arguments.

Duties of HEC Liaison include:

• Work collaboratively with ARC Center Manager and school principal to insure that operations run in a smooth and effective manner. 
• Coordinate distribution of blankets and floor pads to appropriate evacuees.
• Maintain inventory of supplies distributed to evacuees.
• Tour the center and its exterior on a regular basis.
• Apprise Center Manager of any problems that arise. 
• Coordinate with the MDCPS Principal or designee in regards to building operations; ensures that the facility is being used properly.
• Report status of HEC operations to EOC Logistics Section frequently.
• Notify Human Services Branch Director when EOC support is needed to handle unresolved issues.  
• Provide operational updates to incoming HEC liaison.
• Report any tourists arriving at the evacuation centers. The OCR EOC Liaison will immediately advise the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau EOC representative.
• Advise tourists of the Tourism Hotline (305-673-7400) or the Answer Center (305-468-5900) or 311 to receive visitor and hotel information. 
• Post tourism hotline number in the HEC.

Special Needs Evacuation Center:   DAEs will serve as Shelter Managers and Assistant Managers working with Miami-Dade County Health Department and Jackson Memorial Hospital Nursing staff.  Special Needs Shelters

provide a safe environment for residents with special needs and that need more individual attention than can be provided at General Population Shelters. 

Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers :   DAEs at these centers will register pet owners and their animals and provide support to the Animal Services Department.  Pets and their owners stay in different areas of the evacuation center and DAEs help to coordinate walk times, feeding times, etc with the pet owner.  Animal Services staff oversees the care of the pets and DAEs are not expected to handle the animals.  DAEs may bring their crated pets to the shelter during their work shift. 

Shelter Shifts
Shelters operate on a 24 hour basis therefore DAE coverage is split between two, 12 hour shifts  - alpha shift (0700 - 1900) and bravo shift (1900 - 0700).  DAEs staff working in shelters may bring their family with them if necessary as preparation for the hurricane. 

DAEs must bring their own personal disaster supply kits to the shelters.  Kit is to include:

• Employee ID
• Cell phone/radio (delivered by ETSD to site) 
• DAE Vest (delivered by DEM&HS)
• Blanket & Pillow
• Refreshments & Meals for 2 days
• Medications
• Change of clothing
• Personal hygiene products
• Radio/Games/books/magazines