NOTICE: Effective April 16, 2026, FEMA has restored access to its Independent Study.

These courses are typically inaccessible during a lapse in appropriations, but FEMA is facing unprecedented circumstances. Users may now register for and complete these self-guided courses. However, FEMA's staffing and operations are still impacted by the lapse in appropriations. If users experience technical problems, FEMA staff are unable to provide assistance at this time. Please click here to read the full notice

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IS-406: Operating a Shelter

Course Date

10/2/2023

Course Overview

This 5-hour independent study course will support state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments, as well as community and faith-based, non-profit, and private sector partners to increase readiness for shelter site management and congregate shelter operations and to provide best practices and common methodology.

Course Objectives:

  • Identify the seven different roles involved in operating shelters.
  • Explain the resources available to support shelter operations.
  • Describe the functions necessary to operate a shelter.
  • Use the Shelter Field Guide to open, operate, and close a shelter.
  • Articulate potential challenges involved with operating a shelter.

Primary Audience

SLTT Mass Care, Public Health and Medical Services, and Agricultural and Natural Resources emergency managers, community and faith-based individuals and organizations, and private sector partners tasked with working in an emergency shelter.

Prerequisites

Recommended: IS-405 Mass Care Emergency Assistance Overview

CEUs:

0.5

Course Length:

5 hours
Take This Course
Final Exam
Notices
  • Test questions are scrambled to protect test integrity
 
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