North Carolina Emergency Management is working with the American Red Cross and county emergency managers to open shelters for people who are coming to North Carolina from Florida and other states to get out of Hurricane Irma’s path.
“We have seen significant numbers of evacuees stopping at our interstate visitor centers and rest areas seeking lodging, and there are few hotel rooms remaining available,” said NC Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. “These shelters will provide a temporary safe place for people and their pets to rest as they wait for Hurricane Irma to pass.”
Shelters are opening tonight in these locations. All are capable of accommodating pets.
Gaston County:
Gaston County Resource Center
1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy Dallas, NC 28034
Opening at 8pm
Henderson County:
East Henderson High School
110 Upward Rd Hendersonville, NC 28726
Opening at 7pm
Johnston County:
Johnston County Industries
912 N. Brightleaf Blvd Smithfield, NC
Opening at 7pm
Mecklenburg County:
J.M. Alexander Middle School
12010 Hambright Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078
Open
The NC Department of Transportation will use electronic message boards along highways to direct evacuees to the shelters. The ReadyNC app contains a listing of open shelters and provides driving directions from your location to the shelter. It can be downloaded from the iTunes and Google play stores.