Entropy12, you posted words of wisdom....if evacuees in my shelter had known they could bring certain things, they would have been more comfortable.
Next time (oh, my !) I'm bringing non-perishable food that is edible (unlike in the shelter), blankets, a pillow, a roll of paper towels and other vitals...with a few extra things to share with special-needs people.
Some experienced folks knew what to bring.....and they actually brought their stuff piled in those tall, wire laundry-type carts...these were permitted. Some wonderful people had brought extra blankets and healthy snacks which they generously shared with the shivering and hungry elderly, sick and disabled folks.
Leni