Saint Paul Evacuation Routes & Shelter Guide - Ordinances

Saint Paul, Minnesota residents should know how to find designated evacuation routes and emergency shelters before a crisis. This guide summarizes where to look for official routes and shelter locations, who enforces evacuation orders, how to report hazards or request assistance, and practical steps to prepare household evacuation plans. Use the official city and county resources below for the most current instructions and shelter openings, and sign up for local alerts to receive real-time evacuation notices.

Where to find official routes and shelters

Local evacuation planning and shelter activation are coordinated by the City of Saint Paul Office of Emergency Management together with Ramsey County Emergency Management and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management. For official guidance and current shelter openings, consult the city and county emergency pages listed below.

• City of Saint Paul Office of Emergency Management: stpaul.gov/departments/emergency-management^[1]
• Ramsey County Emergency Management (shelters and special needs resources): ramseycounty.us/residents/public-safety-emergencies/emergency-management^[2]
• Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety - HSEM (statewide emergency guidance): dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem^[3]

Evacuation routes are typically posted on official maps during incidents and announced by emergency alerts; shelter locations change based on the hazard and available facilities. If you rely on specialized services (medical devices, oxygen, mobility assistance), contact Ramsey County or the city emergency office ahead of incidents to confirm special-needs shelter procedures.

Preparing & Knowing Routes

Before an evacuation order, identify primary and alternate routes from your neighborhood, locate likely shelter sites (schools, community centers), and assemble an emergency kit with medications, important documents, and supplies for at least 72 hours. Plan transportation for household members and pets; some shelters have separate pet accommodations or rules.

• Keep a family evacuation plan with meeting points and route alternatives.
• Store digital and paper copies of IDs, medical info, and insurance documents.
• Know the nearest major arterial or highway used for quick evacuations.
• Sign up for Saint Paul and Ramsey County alerts and verify contact numbers.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of evacuation orders and public-safety directives in Saint Paul is carried out by the City of Saint Paul Office of Emergency Management in coordination with Saint Paul Police, Ramsey County Emergency Management, and other responding agencies. The city and county use emergency authority to direct evacuations, close roads, and order shelter activations when necessary.

• Enforcer: City of Saint Paul Office of Emergency Management and Saint Paul Police Department; complaints and incident reports can be submitted via official department contacts listed below.
• Fines: specific monetary fines for violating evacuation orders are not specified on the cited city or county emergency pages; see official legal code or contact the enforcing agency for exact penalties.
• Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing-offence escalation (fine increases or other measures) is not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: possible orders, removal, detention for public-safety reasons, and referral to court procedures are used when necessary; exact measures are not detailed on the general emergency pages.
• Inspection and complaint pathways: contact Saint Paul Emergency Management or Ramsey County Emergency Management via their official contact pages for enforcement questions.

Applications & Forms

Special shelter programs or special-needs registries may require pre-registration; the county and city emergency pages are the official source for any forms. Specific form names, numbers, fees, or submission deadlines are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with Ramsey County or the City of Saint Paul.^[2]

FAQ

How will I be notified of an evacuation in Saint Paul?

Local alerts are sent via phone/text/email through the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County alert systems; tune to local media and official social channels for updates.

Where are shelters set up?

Shelters are activated at schools, community centers, and other public facilities as needed; locations are announced by official channels when an incident requires sheltering.

Can I bring my pet to a shelter?

Some shelters allow pets or have designated pet shelters; check official shelter guidance or contact emergency management for pet accommodations.

How-To

1. Sign up for Saint Paul and Ramsey County emergency alerts and review official evacuation maps.
2. Create a family evacuation plan with meeting points and pack an emergency kit with 72 hours of supplies.
3. Follow official orders immediately: if directed to evacuate, leave by the designated route and register at shelter intake if available.
4. If you need special assistance, contact Ramsey County Emergency Management before or during the incident to learn shelter options and registration procedures.

Key Takeaways

• Use official city and county pages for current evacuation routes and shelter openings.
• Prepare a 72-hour kit and at least two evacuation routes from home.
• Sign up for emergency alerts and contact local emergency management for special needs.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Saint Paul - Office of Emergency Management
• Ramsey County Emergency Management
• Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety - HSEM

1. [1] City of Saint Paul Office of Emergency Management
2. [2] Ramsey County Emergency Management
3. [3] Minnesota Department of Public Safety - HSEM