We cannot predict what kind of disaster awaits due to climate change and for other reasons. Governments often notify us of them with the numbers to contact or shelters to go to. However, there are instances where government fails to predict and inform us of them. Thousands of people lose their lives worldwide yearly.

how to find emergency shelter locations in google maps

Google Maps on smartphones is one of the best companions for helping us in emergencies. Yes, you can not only find navigation to unknown destinations. But also find emergency shelters when the situation arises. This guide shows you how to find emergency shelter locations using Google Maps on your phone.

How to Find Emergency Shelter Locations in Google Maps

Whenever some natural disaster occurs near you, Google notifies you about it in real time. Google gets the data from government boards and its satellites. You need to be on the lookout for such notifications if there is a change in the atmosphere or the temperatures.

When you get a notification from Google about a natural disaster, open the Google Maps app on your phone and download the offline map first to be safe. It helps in case of any network outages.

To download Google Maps offline,

Offline Google maps

  • Tap on your Profile picture on Google Maps.
  • Select Offline maps.
  • Under Recommended maps, you’ll find the latest version. Tap on the three-dot icon beside it and select Download.

The offline maps will download and allow you to use them without an internet connection.

Now, to find the emergency shelters, click on the search bar on the Google Maps app and search for emergency shelters near me. You’ll find the list of emergency shelters. Drive to the one that seems to be the better option for you.

emergency shelters on Google maps

When you find yourself in a flood or other emergency, Google Maps updates it on the maps and shows icons representing floods, wildfires, etc.

emergency information on Google Maps

When you tap on the icons representing a natural disaster, you will see more information regarding the same and the time of its last update. Under the Help and Information tab, you will find all the information regarding government help, how to find help, and other emergency information.

Additionally, you can use the layers feature to find emergency shelters and other information. To get started, tap the Layers icon on the Google Maps homepage. It will show the Map type and Map details sections. Under Map details, tap the Wildfires icon. You will see the Wildfire situations in the location you select. When you tap on them, it will show additional information regarding help and emergency information.

find emergency info on google maps

You can use the information Google Maps shows to reach an emergency shelter and save your family from the disaster.

Note:
You cannot rely entirely on Google Maps to save yourself and your family in an emergency. Local authorities provide regular information on their social media pages and websites. You can use Google Maps as an additional tool with the information provided by the government.

Find Your Local Emergency Shelters on Google Maps

Google Maps is handy in emergencies and other situations where you want to find emergency shelters. In times of disaster, Google Maps helps us parallelly to the government by updating the information to help us find information regarding the disaster. Offline maps feature gives us the additional advantage of connecting even with a network outage to reach emergency shelters.

FAQs on Finding Emergency Shelter Locations in Google Maps

It is better to contact your local disaster management authorities by phone or through their social media pages. They can guide you to the nearest storm shelter. You can use Google Maps to find the location they provide.

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