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During an emergency, timely and accurate shelter information enables rapid decision-making and reduces confusion. Coordination between shelter operators and emergency managers empowers planning activities, resource allocation, and ensures the safety and well-being of those affected by the emergency.
Many shelter operators either track occupancy in spreadsheets or not at all, meaning emergency managers are left without up-to-date information. Without spatial awareness of guests and facility locations, emergency managers are lacking critical input for determining which shelters to open and how to appropriately plan resources and staffing. The new Emergency Shelter Management solution addresses these issues by providing emergency managers the ability to maintain a shelter inventory, manage occupancy and guest registration, and communicate critical shelter information during emergencies.
Streamline shelter operations
When disaster strikes, emergency management agencies need accurate information about shelters and must coordinate with each shelter manager to ensure that demand matches capacity.
Map shelters
Creating an inventory of shelters is a first step in preparedness so you can begin response activities such as opening shelters. Operations staff within an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) can use the Shelter Management Center app to add shelters and update the status to open to help coordinate the next activities of occupancy reporting and guest registration.
Update occupancy
The Occupancy Count form provides shelter staff to enter reliable, up‑to‑date counts that support effective decision‑making, resource coordination, and the continued delivery of safe, necessary services during response operations. To ensure that shelter capacity meets current demand, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) typically expect shelter occupancy information to be reported twice each day, and the status of these reports can be monitored.
Manage guest registrations
Emergency shelter staff maintain registration logs for all checked‑in guests to track capacity, support safety efforts, and facilitate reunification. The Registration Management app allows shelter staff to check guests in, look up guests and check them out and visualize where guests originate from.
Visualize shelter occupancy
Monitoring occupancy through up-to-date reports is essential for effective emergency shelter operations. Knowing how many people are currently being served helps staff prevent overcrowding, meet safety and regulatory limits, and plan staffing, supplies, and space appropriately.
Monitor shelter status
The Shelter Status Dashboard proves command staff who monitor occupancy metrics and visualizes shelter status to quickly determine when shelters should be opened or closed.
Plan for shelter resources
The Resource Planning Dashboard allows tracking guest registration trends so planners can quickly spot surges in demand, anticipate food needs, and adjust supply and distribution plans so shelters remain adequately stocked as conditions change.
Learn more
- Learn how to deploy, configure, and use the solution.
- View a demo video.
- Learn more about ArcGIS Solutions.
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