Headed to a shelter? Think lifeboat, not 'Love Boat'

Think of staying in a shelter during a disaster as being on a lifeboat, not “The Love Boat."

And act accordingly.

Ninety-nine percent of people “know how to behave and realize everybody is in a shelter there for same reason,” said Mike McElreth, disaster program manager for Red Cross in Brevard County. “Nobody would choose to be there on a normal day."

But there’s always the chance you’ll be bunked near that guy who listens to music without headphones and swills from a hidden flask. Or the woman who talks at the top of her voice and refuses to turn off her portable lamp at lights-out time.

With the help of the Space Coast Chapter of the Red Cross and the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center, here’s a Guide to Sweeter, Neater, No-Drama Temporary Shelter Living.

· Leave the weapons behind. Somewhere safe, but somewhere else. And that's not just guns, but weapons of any kind. Anything that can be seen as a threat by others, from a samurai sword to aggressive animals, shouldn't come to the shelter with you.

· Lose the booze and the smokes. Showing up at a public shelter with a keg ... NO. Same for any illegal drugs. It goes without saying, but we'll just say it. NO. And no smoking is allowed.

· Don’t expect fancy. There won’t be a mint on your pillow. Matter of fact, bring your own pillow. And cot, sleeping bag, air mattress or chaise lounge, and sheets and blankets. While shelter staff will do everything possible to make you more comfortable, this is not a hotel, and Gopher and Isaac will not be around to sling drinks and wisecracks.

· Don’t forget medicine and hygiene items. Have a two-week supply of needed medication on hand. And bring your own toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, towels, diapers, etc.

· Take care of your pets. If you're at a pet-friendly shelter, make sure your pets have the supervision and restraint they need at all times, and bring everything you need to take care of them, from food and medicine to toys and leashes.

· Follow the rules. Sign in and sign out. Observe lights-out time, whatever that time might be. Everyone's stressed and getting a fairly decent night’s sleep can make a huge difference in attitude.

· Offer to pitch in. Lots of times, shelter workers get evacuees involved in everything from emptying trash to cleaning windows and serving food. “The more people keep busy, the less they’re thinking about what’s happening,” said McElreth.

· Be a babysitter. See a frazzled mom or dad? They’re already in a stressful situation, just like everyone else. They might jump at the chance to have someone watch their kids while they make phone calls, talk or curl up for a nap.

· Be prepared to entertain yourself and your family. Think toys, books, magazines, a tablet, your phone and a charger — “You’re going to have a lot of free time and the more you dwell on that, the worse off you’ll be,” said McElreth.

· Pack snacks. Can’t get through a day without beef jerky, Hot Tamales and Coke Zero? Chances are good they’re not on the shelter’s menu.

· Be diet-conscious. If you have special dietary needs, you’ll need to arrange to have foods you can eat on hand.

· Be respectful: Public displays of affection that get too, well, personal … hey! That’s someone’s grandma within earshot! Eww!

· Curb your tongue. It’s tempting, when you’re all cooped up and worried about what’s waiting at home, to let the expletives fly. But watch your potty mouth.

· And speaking of the potty ... With lower water pressure and lots of people using limited facilities … you do the math. And — how do we put this gently — ease up on the TP. Use just what you need. And yes, bring TP.

Contact Kennerly at 321-242-3692 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @bybrittkennerly or at Facebook.com/bybrittkennerly.