This course provides an introduction to emergency shelter planning, equipping participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to prepare for, establish, and operate emergency shelters during disaster events. The course explores the essential functions of emergency shelters, including distinctions between shelter types and the roles they play in disaster response.

Participants will examine how community demographics, including access and functional needs, shape shelter planning, site selection, and operations. Key topics include legal and logistical considerations, interagency coordination, staffing, resource planning, and community engagement. Through scenario-based activities, participants will apply core planning concepts to dynamic, real-world emergency situations, evaluating site suitability, anticipating operational challenges, and discussing actionable plans for shelter setup, management, and closure.