Temporary emergency shelters will be opened aboard Camp Lejeune and throughout Onslow County during destructive weather to provide for basic life support when no other safe options exist.

Due to the increased risk of COVID-19, individuals who normally seek emergency shelter are strongly encouraged to make alternate plans such as staying with friends, family, or in a hotel where possible.

What To Expect:

• Prolonged check-in times. 
• Medical personnel will screen each person and take temperature readings. 
• COVID-19 precautions will limit the available space in each shelter.
• The use of cloth face coverings and social distancing will be enforced.
• Criminal background checks will be completed for each person. 
• Medical staff will determine each person’s admissibility to standard shelter or whether health concerns require hospitalization or transfer to an isolation area.
• Medical personnel will be present at each sheltering site.
• Individuals may be referred by medical personnel for COVID testing

Individuals may be denied access to emergency shelters for the following reasons:

Legal – Persons meeting these criteria should consider evacuating outside the affected area: 

• Anyone on probation for a sex crime, or required to be registered as a sex offender of any kind, in any state.
• Anyone with a current restraining order or military protection order, if the protected person is also present in the shelter.  The protected person cannot rescind the order to allow and/or to gain access.
• Anyone restricted by a court from being in proximity of minors.
• Anyone who is persona-non-grata to any military installation.
• Anyone with outstanding wants or warrants.  

Medical (except in emergent situations where travel is restricted) – Medical staff may determine alternate sheltering arrangements for people meeting these criteria:

• Anyone with pre-existing medical conditions requiring a level of care beyond what the Corpsman is equipped or is legally able to provide.
• Anyone requiring assisted medical devices which may need to be re-filled or re-charged.
• Pregnant women in the third trimester or having a complicated pregnancy.
• Anyone exhibiting influenza or COVID like symptoms, military members under restriction of movement, individuals confirmed positive for COVID, or those who have been in close contact with a COVID confirmed person will be isolated to limit the spread of infectious disease. 

• Restrooms
• Showers (no toiletries, wash rags, or towels)
• Cots (no bedding)
• Pet shelter for dogs and cats only
• Meals can be provided if no other options exist, but come with an associated cost.  We are unable to meet special dietary needs, to include infant food/formula.

• Ensure you have and bring DoD issued identification cards for each person.
• Ensure you have at least 14 days of prescribed medications to bring it with you.
• Bring bedding, toiletries, and clothing for 7 days.
• Bring enough food and water for 3 days. There are no facilities for cooking or refrigerators at shelters.
• Bring enough infant food/formula, which does not require refrigeration, for 3 days.
• Ensure you have two (2) cloth face coverings per person and bring them with you– Per CDC guidelines, this requirement does not apply to babies, toddlers, those with existing breathing problems, and those unable to remove a mask without assistance.
• Communicate special needs with shelter staff upon arrival and bring any special equipment with you.
• Leave all types of weapons and ammunition and alcoholic beverages at home.
• Ensure animals are vaccinated and bring records with you.
• Bring enough pet food and water for 7 days and a leash, harness, and muzzle (if necessary). Also bring food and water bowls.
• Bring enough prescription pet medications for 7 days.
• Bring products to clean up pet waste.
• Ensure you have a hard-sided kennel for each pet and a covering for each crate and bring them with you.  Cat litter box must fit in the kennel.

• Certified service animals are not pets and are permitted in all Marine Corps shelters.
• Pet sheltering is for dogs and cats only. Pet sheltering is only available at the Wallace Creek Fitness Center.
• Owners must feed, water, exercise, administer prescription medications, and clean up after their pets daily. 
• Unruly animals will be isolated or removed from the shelter.
• Bring certification of vaccination at check-in. A current rabies vaccination is required.

MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune continually assesses impacts of COVID-19 on destructive weather operations. Updated shelter locations will be announced in advance of any potential storms projected to impact the area.