Mega-Shelter Resources

This page provides a series of resources to assist facility managers for the planning and operation of a public assembly facility as a Mega-Shelter.






The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and the American Red Cross have collaborated to enhance the planning processes and preparedness for mega-sheltering and, in partnership with many stakeholders, have produced The Mega-Shelter Planning Guide. The purpose of the guide is to provide public assembly venues, their communities, emergency managers, shelter operators, and the many others who may be involved in a mega-shelter’s operation with a comprehensive guide to formulate and implement plans and procedures. The guide is designed to be a resource in all phases of mega-sheltering – planning, preparedness, readiness, response and recovery and includes specific sections that provide action steps for each of these phases. The Mega-Shelter Planning Guide is a valuable resource for shelters of all sizes and for all stakeholders. [published October 1, 2010]

• Mega-Shelter Planning Guide

This Aid assists emergency managers and those responsible for incident command in analyzing, planning and determining what details may need to be considered when deciding to use a facility for the purpose of sheltering a population affected by an emergency, incident or disaster.

• Shelter Guidance Aid

The Mega-Shelter Assistance Team (MAT) is a joint project between IAVM with the American Red Cross. You can download the following documents regarding this program:

• MAT Program Information
  
  
• MAT Member Job Description
  
  
• MAT Application Form
  
  
• MAT Application Processing Guidelines

These resources will assist a public assembly facility and a Red Cross Chapter establish a relationship and work together in their community to develop preparedness and build a plan for mega-sheltering at the venue in the event of a major disaster. The creation of these documents is a joint project between IAVM and the American Red Cross.

• Mega-Shelters and the Role of the Public Assembly Venue
  
  
• MOU Template
  
  
• Mega-Shelter Framework Roles & Responsibilities Worksheet
  
  

For questions or assistance regarding these documents, establishing contact with a Red Cross Chapter, or the mega-shelter planning process, contact:

• American Red Cross: Anne Palmer (202) 303-5419
  PalmerAn@usa.redcross.org
  
  
• IAVM: Harold Hansen (773) 973-2049
  Harold.Hansen@IAVM.org
  
  

IAVM Mega-Shelter Best Practices Guidelines for Planning and Activation and Operation
Soon after the storms of 2005, IAVM has responded to the need for best practice guidelines for mega-shelter operations. This first release, IAVM Mega-Shelter Best Practice Guidelines for Planning and Activation, provides Facility Managers with important information that can be helpful in deliberations with government authorities regarding the use of their facility in response to major disasters caused by powerful hurricanes. These guidelines will help the Facility Manager understand the activation process, shelter standards, contracting, liability exposure and how to plan for the next storm season.

The Mega-Shelter Best Practices Guide is also available as a member services download, see the Safety and Security link on this menu.