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Volusia deputies and Deltona fire chief urge early evacuation and explain shelter options
Summary
Lieutenant Ryan Mills and Fire Chief Bill Snyder advised Deltona residents to evacuate early when advised, described risks to first responders, and summarized Volusia County shelter types including special-needs and pet-friendly options.
Lieutenant Ryan Mills of the Volusia Sheriff's Office told attendees at a Deltona preparedness event that the event's central message is preparedness. "The common theme you're gonna hear here from everybody that speaks is preparedness. Be prepared," he said, and warned residents not to wait until conditions worsen to seek supplies or leave a threatened area.
Mills recounted local rescue difficulties in past storms where residents were driving or working outside as winds and flooding increased; he said first responders can be limited or prevented from reaching people once winds reach certain thresholds. "If you're in one of those areas that you're being told to evacuate, please make sure you get out," he said.
Deltona Fire Chief Bill Snyder said residents should prepare an evacuation plan now, including destinations, routes and pet arrangements; he urged people not to wait for formal evacuation orders if the storm appears likely to threaten their area. "Don't wait to be told to evacuate. Just leave," Chief Snyder said, noting that road congestion and fuel shortages complicate late departures.
Both speakers described local shelter options. Volusia County operates general-population shelters, special-needs shelters (which can accommodate people who require medical or sensory assistance and are pet-friendly for special-needs patients), and pet shelters. Chief Snyder said the Volusia County Fairgrounds shelter is a pet-friendly shelter where owners can stay with their animals; other pet shelters will shelter animals separately but provide care.
Snyder also noted a county special-needs registry used to pre-identify residents who may need assistance; Deltona public-safety staff said the city coordinates with the county and will contact registered residents before and after storms. For county information and to register, attendees were directed to Volusia County emergency management resources and the county call center at (386) 254-1500.
