The 2006 hurricane season is here. On June 13, Tropical Storm Alberto-the first storm of the season-made landfall south of Tallahassee, Florida. Hurricane season can be a difficult and dangerous time for all residents of coastal states. For transgender people it can be especially difficult to access emergency services and shelters because of discrimination. As you may recall, during the wake of Hurricane Katrina many transgender people were victims of harassment based on their gender identity and/or expression. A few were even arrested and jailed for using gender-appropriate showers in shelter facilities. Some forgot important items, such as hormones and cosmetics.

Click here for a State-by-State list of emergency contacts.

In light of these negative experiences, and considering the often problematic treatment of transgender people within homeless and other emergency shelters, NCTE encourages community members in hurricane-prone regions to prepare in advance. You can do this by developing a Disaster Plan, building a Hurricane Preparedness Kit, gathering transgender medical, documentation items, making sure important legal and advocacy contact information is easily accessible, and cosmetic items as needed.

Emergency Kits (have these things ready in case of an evacuation)
Trans-Specific Recommendations	Recommendations from the National Weather Service
Medical Prescriptions Medications (hormones, etc.) Syringes, alcohol swabs, etc. Vaginal stints/dilators Other medical devices/supplies Legal Phone numbers for Lambda Legal's help desks and for the NCTE (below) Proof of name change Court orders Identification, including passport Doctors letters regarding gender identity From therapist & surgeon Appearance Razors Cosmetics Binding, Packing Equipment (e.g. ace bandages, gaffs, "packies") Making Shelters Safe for Transgender Evacuees Have this document handy in case you encounter negative treatment or educational opportunity at any relief center or shelter where you are staying.	Water & Food (enough for 3-7 days) Blankets, pillows, etc. Clothing (rain gear/ sturdy shoes) First Aid Kit , medicines, prescription drugs Special Items (for babies and the elderly) Toiletries, hygiene items, moisture wipes Flashlight and batteries Battery operated radio Telephones (fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional-not cordless-telephone set) Cash (with some small bills) and credit cards Keys Toys, books and games Important documents (in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag, such as insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.) Tools (keep a set with you during the storm) Vehicle fuel tanks (filled) Pet care items For more information about disaster planning, please visit the National Weather Service's Hurricane Awareness website.

Emergency Contact Information for Trans Discrimination in Relief Shelters & Services Lambda Legal National Help Desks:

• Toll free: (866) 542-8336
• Dallas: (214) 219-8585
• Atlanta: (404) 897-1880

National Center for Transgender Equality
(202) 903-0112
NCTE@nctequality.org

Other Resources

Making Shelters Safe for Transgender Evacuees
View or Download the PDF here.

Transitioning Our Shelters
A Guide to Making Homeless Shelters for Transgender People
View or Download the PDF here.

Click here for a State-by-State list of emergency contacts.