FEMA TERMINOLOGY

Arrival Point: Any facility or point of entry into a host-state/jurisdiction that assists evacuees.
Arrival points may include transfer points and reception processing sites (for transportation assisted evacuees), welcome centers and information points (for self-evacuees), shelters, and
other congregate facilities.

Reception Center(also called Community Reception Center): An interim site along an
evacuation route that provides mass care and other emergency services to evacuees arriving in a
host location via government transportation. A Reception Processing Site may be located within
an impact jurisdiction (although outside the impact area) or in a host jurisdiction. These locations
provide life-sustaining services, such as food, water, basic medical support, and assignment and
transportation to a shelter. Additional services may include disaster and local weather
information, reunification, and crisis counseling. Temporary sleeping space may also be
provided while evacuee needs are evaluated or if evacuees arrive late at night. Jurisdictions
should arrange separate areas for unaccompanied minors, people without identification, and
individuals subject to judicial and/or administrative orders restricting their freedom of
movement. These sites may also process evacuees returning to the impact jurisdiction.